“Oh, right,” I said. “That. It’s just something we talked about the last time she checked in.” I glanced at Elliot out of the corner of my eye to see how I’d done and he gave the tiniest of nods of approval.

“Officer Salzburg disappeared?” Elliot said.

“Nothing for you to worry about,” Callaway said. “I’m sure it was just a miscommunication and he’ll be found in no time.”

“You might look into Salzburg’s history,” I said. “The last time he came for dinner at the house, something about him seemed off.”

“Hm,” Callaway said. “I’ll take it into consideration, Regan. Your intuition is usually pretty spot on.”

“Thank you, sir,” I said. “And don’t worry about my mom. I’ll make sure I clear everything up with her the next time we talk.”

“Okay, then,” Callaway said, and then he leaned in conspiratorially. “Just between us, your mother scares me half to death.”

Elliot laughed, and I smiled a smile that I hoped was convincingly nonchalant.

“All right, you two,” Callaway said. “Be quick in the kitchen; I don’t want you falling asleep during training tomorrow.”

“Yes, sir,” Elliot said again.

Callaway was just turning away when I stepped forward and grabbed his arm. “Sir?” I said.

“Yes, Regan?” he asked.

“In the training tomorrow, um, will everyone be there?” I asked. “Eliana and Tess and everyone?”

“Why wouldn’t they be?” he said, his eyebrows creased in concern. His words were like ice water on the fire that had been burning my heart ever since Elliot’s revelation was suddenly doused, and I felt myself relax for the first time in what felt like forever. They were okay. Everyone was okay. Callaway was still looking at me funny, and I realized that it was because tears were making their way out of the corners of my eyes. I swiped at them with the back of my hand and looked away.

“No reason,” Elliot said, saving me from trying to explain the unexplainable. “We just wanted to ask Sam and Serina a question before breakfast, that’s all.”

“Oh,” Callaway said. “I believe they are scheduled for a mission involving the Watergate scandal tomorrow, but I’m sure they will be able to spare a minute. You know,” he said, giving us a wide smile, “Sam was just telling me how impressed he’s been with you two lately. That he thinks you might turn out to be a good partner matchup yet.”