Page 70 of Choosing Stella

“It works.”

“It does.”

“Then why are you reaching for it?”

“I’m testing the secondary mount.”

Locke sighed.

“I’m going to mute you for thirty seconds while you two argue about adhesive.”

“We’re not arguing,” Geo said.

“We’re absolutely arguing,” I said.

Locke laughed.

We went through the rest of the plan without rebuilding everything we’d already decided. Locke confirmed that the mirrored feed would stay with him off-site. Geo confirmed the exterior vehicle position and secondary exit. I repeated what I was supposed to do if casino security tried to move me anywhere we hadn’t agreed on.

“I don’t go,” I said. “If something forces a separation, I trigger the alert the second I think I need it.”

“And if you get another warning?” Locke asked.

“I tell Geo.”

“Immediately,” Geo added.

I looked at him.

“Yes, immediately.”

Locke’s voice turned serious.

“I’ll be listening while you’re at the casino. If you trigger that device, I treat it as real until you tell me otherwise.”

“Good.”

Geo nodded.

“That’s what I need.”

“Anything else?”

Geo looked at me.

I shook my head.

“We’re good.”

“Then eat something and get some sleep,” Locke said.

“You’ve been talking to Geo too much.”

“He has one or two sensible habits.”

“Please don’t encourage him.”

Geo ended the call before Locke could answer.