“What on earth is even going on?” Esme mumbled watching the adults debate at the table from the bench that looked out the windows.

“Why can’t we?” The robed man asked. He stood leaning on the table with his hands. An exasperated expression emphasizing his wrinkles.

“It is an infringement on her rights until she is registered and agrees. If anything be thankful that she is over fourteen.” Abram Krite said leaning back in his chair.

“Malik may I speak with you in the hall?” Heidi’s henchman said. Malik looked at her pensively then nodded leaving through the side doors. When they returned, Malik beckoned her over. Esme felt the others' eyes on them.

“I need to go do something.” Malik said watching her closely. He seemed lighter less weighed down. Less angry and moody. She wanted to say yes but she did not know what was happening.

“No,” she said a little too loudly. He titled his head.

“No?”

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“You can’t just leave me here after what just happened and why are you so chummy with Heidi’s henchman?” She said glaring at the big man. The corner of his mouth turned up in its usual jeering way. The henchman was not the only one amused. Abram krite pillared his hands and the nice wrinkly old man in the colorful robe rose his bushy eyebrows. Wrinkles forming up his bald scalp.

“Chummy with Heidi’s henchman.” Malik repeated. Esme looked down to see her a hand on her hips. She dropped it. “I’m going.”

“Fine then my death is on your hands.”

“Why would you die? Overconfidence is a weakness you know.” He said snorting.

“Anger masks depression actually.”

“What are you implying?”

“Just go you'll figure it if you’re so smart.”

“Esme I don’t have time for this,”

“People make time for what’s important to them.”

“You’re right.” He said quickly turning to leave.

“Are you coming back?” She asked the weakness of it making her annoyed.

“Yes,” he said shortly but his eyes were kind. He left then.

“Esme, you’ve been cleared.” Abram Krite said. Esme went to the table seeing they had been engrossed in what appeared to be her profile.

“Does everyone have that?”

“Yes”