Episode 67: Work in the Shadows

I don’t remember when I became “reliable.”

I remember when I was invisible.

“…Beckett, can you fix this?”

“…Beckett, quick question.”

“…Beckett, you’re good with layouts, right?”

It accumulates.

Quietly.

Now I’m here.

At a family dinner I didn’t plan to attend.

Again.

“Just come,” Mira said.
“It’ll be quiet,” Lina added.

It is not quiet.

But it is… controlled.

I stand near the edge of the dining room.

Shadow position.

Standard outfit: trench coat, mask, gloves, chains, boots.

The first time I met them—

All of them—

“…Meh,” I said.

That was my official introduction.

Damien thought I was a hitman.

Others thought I was security.

Some thought I was… unstable.

All acceptable assumptions.

Now?

They greet me.

“…Beckett,”
“…Good to see you,”
“…We’ve got something for you later.”

Suspicious.

I nod slightly.

“…Acknowledged.”

Diana stands beside me.

Always.

Her hand rests briefly on my shoulder.

Grounding.

“…You’re being observed,” she murmurs.

“…I’m always being observed.”

“…Yes. But today, it’s admiration.”

I don’t respond.