The annex listed case numbers under “extended stay adjustments.” One column tracked how many quarters each child stayed “stable.” Another showed corresponding grant renewals. Case four one two seven dash B sat near the top, marked “extended four cycles.” Nina felt her heartbeat match the neat little boxes.
She tried to call the clerk who had helped earlier. He answered, voice tight. “I cannot talk anymore,” he said. “We had a meeting. All media requests go through central now.” Nina lowered her voice. “You sent those memos?” Silence, then a quick, “Delete that email. For both our sakes,” before the line cut.