Arlene's POV
The clock reads nearly midnight when I finally finish scanning the last report onto my holotable. My fingers move across the interface, saving each file with methodical precision. I grip the edges of the table and arch my back, feeling the knots of tension release from my spine. The silence wraps around me like a blanket, and I savor it because moments like these are becoming increasingly rare.
The day's events crash over me in waves. All those lives lost for the most senseless reason imaginable. That woman should be rotting in a cell for what she orchestrated. But the laws are carved in stone, and frankly, enough blood has been spilled already. Besides, eliminating her would mean inheriting her territory, and that's a headache I can't afford right now.
"Hey."
I straighten and turn to find Warner standing behind me, carrying a glass and plate.
"Hey," I respond, beginning to power down the systems. "I was about to call it a night."
