Hoping Against Hope

‘But I promised to help you in the kitchen,’ Kira said. ‘I can handle it,’ Giana said. ‘Your housekeeper probably went to a lot of trouble to make dinner. You shouldn’t let all that food go to waste.’ Kira nodded. Elsie took pride in her cooking. ‘Sorry about running out on you again.’ ‘It’s fine. We can always cook together some other time.’ Kira hugged her friend. ‘Thank you, Giana. You’re the best.’ ‘Is that why you’re smearing onion juice all over my shirt?’ ‘Sorry.’ Kira quickly pulled back. ‘I forgot to wash my hands.’ ‘Go home. Call me if you want to talk.’ Kira shot a quick text to Elsie to say she would be back in an hour. She had something to do first. Kira flagged down a cab on the street. It took her 53.50 dollars and twenty-two minutes to arrive at Sunglade Condo. There were two security guards on duty. One was dozing off in a chair inside the guard shack. The other had stepped away for a smoke. Kira slipped past the entrance without anyone noticing. She was getting better