Chapter 26 · The Smile They're Buying

Torin's mouth was an inch from finishing my name when the panel screamed.

Not a knock. Not a phone in somebody's pocket. The pump room comm, mounted right above the valve manifold, cracking to life with a hiss of static and a voice that sounded like it was reading off a script.

"Attention residency parties. This is Meridian Trust Servicing. Winter stipend disbursement is currently held for review."

Torin's hand was still around my wrist. He didn't let go. His thumb was pressed flat against my pulse like he wanted to feel exactly what that sentence did to it.

"Held for what," I said. My voice came out steadier than I felt, because his heartbeat was still slamming under my palm and mine hadn't slowed down either.

The voice kept going, tinny through the little speaker, bouncing off pipe and concrete. "Trust guidelines require a public confidence signal ahead of any further draw. Camera coverage for game seven has been flagged as insufficient. Disbursement will reroute to reserve unless residency principals demonstrate visible partnership through the next faceoff.