Dane nodded slowly. "I understand. I don't agree, but I understand."
Sofia looked like she wanted to argue more, but Dane's hand on her arm tightened fractionally. She swallowed whatever she'd been about to say.
"We'll be back in a few weeks," Dane said, standing.
"When we return, if you've changed your mind—"
"I won't."
"Fair enough." Dane extended his hand. Jaenor shook it.
"Thank you for what you did for Sofia and me."
"You were in danger because of proximity to me. That made it my responsibility."
Sofia finally spoke again, her voice more controlled now. "If you change your mind. About helping. About any of it. We'll be reachable through the usual channels."
She pulled a card from her pocket and set it on the coffee table.
"That's a secure contact number. It'll reach us anywhere."
Jaenor nodded acknowledgment without promising to use it.
They went to the kitchen to say goodbye to Martha. She emerged, wiping her hands on a towel, surprise clear on her face.
