Hannah proceeded to walk her through the events culminating in this afternoons drive with Rico. She mentioned the first approach from Elodie weeks ago; how it seemed to fit with Jessies suspicion about a sex ring; that shed engaged Elodie today; the ride shed taken with Rico; what hed revealed and what he expected of her tomorrow.

I recorded the whole conversation with him, she concluded. I got his license plate number. I couldnt risk taking his picture without him noticing but I was able to sneak one of Elodie. I have all of it on my phone.

She seemed to be done. Jessie waited an extra moment to be sure before speaking.

Are you okay? she finally asked.

I had a little moment after it was over, Hannah admitted. Kind of a delayed freak-out where I realized it could have gone bad and you might have found my head in a dumpster. But yeah, Im okay. You think this stuff will help with the case?

Jessie looked at her little sister and took a deep breath, trying to give the impression that she was evaluating the value of the information, which she couldnt accurately assess yet. Hannah had an expectant expression her face, as if she was waiting to be thanked for her contribution to the investigation.

This was a delicate moment. Her little sister had put herself in real dangerdanger that still existedwithout seeming to have any real sense of what shed gotten herself into. She appeared more excited by the intrigue of the situation than concerned for her own safety.

And yet, shed been trying to help. Jessie had spent so much time worrying that Hannah might be conscienceless. Discovering now she had put herself at risk in the hopes of helping other young women was strangely heartening. She didnt want to quash that instinct. Moreover, shed been honest about it when she knew that it could get her into trouble. Jessie wanted to reinforce that impulse, not undermine it.

Thank you for telling me, she began delicately. Ill definitely take all the information you got and see if it can be useful. I really appreciate that you were trying to make a difference.

But youre pissed, Hannah said, her hopeful expression starting to turn sour.

No, Jessie said quickly. Im not pissed. Im concerned, for the very reasons you mentioned. This Rico guy is expecting you to go with him to meet his boss tomorrow. That obviously cant happen. They may have already done a background check on you based on your name. Youre no longer safe. Thats what Im focused onmaking sure that nothing bad happens to you. I was just hoping we could make it to the end of the year without any kind of threat to your life.

Wishful thinking, Hannah muttered.