Shoving the door open once I had the lock free of its newly eroded casing, I called out. I really didn't want a repeat of the last time I'd come in here without announcing myself. "It's Arkady."
A choked soft sob. "Come in."
I gritted my teeth and hardened my heart against the relief I heard in her smoky voice. Getting tangled up in the trouble she represented was not in my game plan. Either short- or long-term. Helping her at all had already gotten her severely punished. I wasn't sure either of us were prepared for her to be punished again.
"I've got your food for the day." Turning slightly, I saw that she was huddled on the bed. The blankets were still in a neat pile at the foot of the mattress.
She nodded, but didn't get up. "Thank you."
I slid the tray onto the bed. Questions an
