Smiling, Vesara brightly responded, “No doubt about that. I have a good feeling about this.” Reaching into one of the pouches on her belt, Vesara pulled out an identical hood to the one she was wearing and handed it to Erica. “I didn’t want to start by handing this over on the off chance this meeting didn’t end well. This is one of my extras, but it’s the same design as what I currently use.”

Erica took the mask and looked it over, running her fingers over the material and lenses. She could already appreciate the craftsmanship, made with the admirable ingenuity of a woman who had only her hands and the materials at her disposal to work with. Certainly something Erica was familiar with.

“Figured it might be helpful for your designs and maybe see where I’d attempted the work myself,” Vesara added. “When I...” She hesitated, brow furrowing, and dug her hand into her pocket once again, this time producing the beacon that Janet had set off right on schedule. “Uh...guess it's my turn to have a little emergency. I'm really sorry, but I have to go.”

Erica feigned ignorance. “Duty calls?”

“Never a dull moment in this city.” She took a final sip of her coffee and stood, extending her hand.

“I should be able to have the design specs complete in a few days,” Erica said, standing as well and shaking the heroine's hand. “If you’re free Thursday, same time, we can set an appointment now. Or just call Janet to set up an appointment at your leisure.” She reached into one of the desk drawers and slipped a business card across the desk, different from her normal cards. “This is my private line, reserved for clients. Completely secure. Call any time if you have questions or concerns.”

Taking the card, Vesara nodded. “Thursday sounds fine, barring any end of the world scenarios that pull me away. If I have to reschedule, I'll call.”

“That sounds fine. Be safe out there.”

The vixen grinned and, with a nod of farewell, hurried out the door. “See you soon, Mrs. Decker.”

Sooner than you think, Erica thought. The moment the door closed behind Vesara, Erica's smile vanished. She strode toward the frame housing the picture of her family, and behind it, the keypad that would reveal the elevator up to the Bunker.

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Yet another excerpt from the latest chapter of Beyond Mercy or Reason, a collaborative story writing effort between myself and  vivavulpes! You can check out the latest chapter >> HERE << While you're there make sure you catch up on the previous chapters if you haven't read them yet.

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Lineart by  bluwolf0
Colors by  luvbun
Erica Decker/War Wolf by  vivavulpes
Jessica McCalister/Vesara by  gamegod210