Lumina waited on the call for her fellow ultrahuman to log in.

Punctuality had never been Quintana’s strong suit. Nor professional responsibility, nor discipline. Like so many other ultras these days, the girl was sorely lacking in a work ethic.

Then again, knowing her family situation, Lumina couldn’t very well blame her.

The screen pinged as the youngest member of Tanisport’s sanctioned heroes appeared on screen, her faceless white mask the only thing visible. “Sorry. The twins were crying again.”

“No worries. Are they old enough for school yet?”

“Starting next month. I need a few days more, though.”

“Take your time. Things should be under control.”

“I hope so.” Quintana paused. “I heard about the attack on the Grunters. The new ultra, Belessar?”

“He hit them hard.”

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“Is it true he left bodies behind?”

Lumina nodded gravely. “Quite a few.”

“What does this mean for…” Quintana swallowed. “The agreement? Are the Grunters going to retaliate?”

“I hope not. We’ve done what we can to portray Belessar as an independent actor, so hopefully we won’t be the targets.”

“All that work you put into the agreement….”

“Me and Aldiss. It kept the peace for months.” And now, thought Lumina, that carefully brokered treaty between them and Grumman was… ash.

“Is it going to be like … before?”

Before Aldiss and she brokered a truce in the never-ending war between the gangs and the city? “It’s unlikely. The Grunters want peace, the Blackhats want peace, the Mayor wants peace… they’re not going to start things.”

“Unless Belessar backs them into a corner.” Quintana’s voice was hollow. “I know you want me there, Lumina, but… I can’t. I really can’t.”

“I get that. Take your time. Any word on the ex?”

“He’s not signing the divorce papers.” Her face twisted. “Wants money.”

“Isn’t he in rehab?”

“Lawyer’s arguing that doesn’t make him an unfit parent. So if I want full custody, I’m going to have to pay up.” Her eyes blazed. “And I’m not leaving my kids with him. No matter what.”

“I understand. Do you need help? Another lawyer?”

“No, my guy says the judge’ll side with me, but it’s going to be costly. And time-consuming. And if something happens to me…” She swallowed. “We’re pushing for the kids to go into my mother’s custody, but getting him to waive parental rights is the hard part.”

“Good luck.”

“Thanks, Lumina.”