CHAPTER EIGHTY THREE – COMPLICATIONS IN THE COVER

The next morning, Laura arrived at Fierro's Place early, hoping to lose herself in work and push away the thoughts that had kept her up all night. But as she pushed open the door, she was greeted by the sight of Tina, arms crossed and a determined look on her face. "Okay, spill," Tina said without preamble. "What's going on with you?" Laura blinked, taken aback. "What do you mean?" Tina rolled her eyes. "Don't play dumb, Laura. You've been acting weird for weeks, and last night you ran out of here like the place was on fire. Something's up, and I want to know what it is." For a moment, Laura was tempted to confide in Tina. To tell her everything - about the mission, about Mia, about the constant fear and pressure. But she knew she couldn't. It would put Tina in danger, and potentially compromise everything she'd been working towards. "It's... complicated," Laura said finally, moving past Tina to hang up her coat. "I've just got some personal stuff going on. Nothing for you to worr