Page 80 of Faultlines

I’m always tired.

Lucy: See?

Sloane: Fine. Next question.

Lucy: I regret asking.

Sloane: Has he been on his phone more than usual?

We don’t monitor each other’s phones.

Sloane: That’s what someone with something to hide would hope.

Lucy: Stop! You’re not helping.

A picture appears in the chat, bright and stark against the dark background.

What is that?

Lucy: Is that a cork-board with red string?

Sloane: Yes.

This is not an episode of dateline.

Lucy: Why am I on the board?

Sloane: Everyone is on the board.

Why is there a box labeled “Possible Waterfront Activities”?

Sloane: Because we need to consider all scenarios.

Lucy: I can’t believe you’re related to me.

Sloane: Blood isn’t always thicker than investigative excellence.

You two are ridiculous.

Lucy: She’s ridiculous.

Sloane: Yet somehow, I’m everyone’s first phone call during a crisis.

Lucy: Unfortunately.

She has a point.

Sloane: Thank you.

Lucy: Don’t encourage her.

Sloane: Friday night, Uncle Peter is picking up Ellie from theater rehearsal. Covert operations begin then.

Lucy: What does “covert operations” mean?

Sloane: It means the three of us are having a girls’ night.

Lucy: That sounds harmless enough.