“Oh. They are calling now. Gimmee a sec.”

She paused the call and answered her office line. They had no clue. The package just appeared mid-route in the cart. No one was ever seen putting it there.

She thanked them and got back to Tirra.

“No trace. Security can’t find them.”

“Huh. That’s weird. Can I look into it?”

“Yup. I am going to take my loot home as soon as my escort arrives.”

Tirra blinked rapidly. “She’s here. Somewhere. We just have to find her. At least we know she works at Z-Corp. Between me and Arcady, we should be able to narrow it down.”

“Right, and she drew a dragon on the card, and I don’t know if that is for me or for her.”

Tirra grinned. “We will be able to narrow it down and do interviews after the holidays.”

Leska slumped. “Oh.”

Tirra laughed. “We will try to get what information we can before then. Consider it a bonus present if I can pull this off. Do you know why she would hide?”

“She might not be working legally? She might have been used as a weapon. If she were lab-grown, she never had a family. If she was adopted, she might not want to upset them by seeking out more family.”

“Whatever her motivations, she’s opened the door and let us know she’s behind it. Now we get to find her.”

Leska sniffled and said, “I just wonder how she knew who I was?”

Tirra blinked. “She has access to testing. That is a fairly narrow margin. Oh, Gorith is going to have to get his own dinner tonight. I haven’t gotten to have this much excitement in months.”

Leska smiled as Vinul arrived to take her home. “Okay, my ride’s here. Let me know if you find anything.”

“I will. Get some rest.”

Leska nodded and ended the call. She gestured to the present. “Can you carry that as well, Vinul?”

He grinned, his stripes looking extra dashing. “I can. What is it?”

“A present. From my sister. Not Tirra.”

He started scenting the air. “Was she here?”

“No. She had it delivered. But she’s nearby.”

Vinul grinned. “You want to find her.”

“I do. Right fucking now, but I will wait. In the meantime, she gave me some nice stuff.” She smiled. “Soft stuff. Omega stuff. All beautiful.”

Vinul touched her cheek. “Are you ready to go home?”

“Yes. Is Sarel here?”

“Of course. I can’t guard both of you at once if I am not with you. He’s talking with Heraina. Aluhara wants us all at the Stronghold for at least one day during the holidays.”

“Is she planning on inviting all her children again?”

“Yes.”

“That was a helluva first meeting.”