Page 8 of Phoenix Rising

"We'll have to come and visit next month."

"Angie, you just saw the girl two days ago!" her father said. "Give her some time to get adjusted. We already have a trip planned for Christmas."

"Alright, alright!" Angelica waved Richard off. "Well, I just wanted to check in with you and make sure you're all settled in." Her mother smiled. "I'mmaking your favorite biscuits today to celebrate your new job."

Lucinda scrunched her eyebrows together. "You do understand I'm on a different continent and I won't be able to eat them, correct?"

Her father's voice interrupted again. "Doesn't mean we can't eat them in your honor."

"Alright, well, symbolically save me one."

"That is the plan. Love you, LuLu!" Richard called.

"Love you, Dad."

"I'll let you get back to it. Have an antacid before bed!" Her mother kissed the camera, leaving visible chapstick marks. "Goodnight, dear."

"Bye, Mum."

The call ended, and the warmth and laughter escaped through the floorboards. She enjoyed her own company, which was why she hadn't been too upset to leave Iris in England. Iris was too loud and rambunctious. She never had a care for personal space, and Lucinda preferred to be alone. But she sometimes thought it would be nice if someone were home waiting for her besides her aloof cat.

She cast her papers on the coffee table, drawing her robe tight around her as she got up. Lucinda looked out the window; orange and whitelights blinked in the buildings opposite of her. Only shadows cast against the wall gave her any indication that people lived there. The city was quiet, and just a few stray cars were finally rushing home.

She wondered how it would feel to have somebody hurrying home to her.

3

BECKY

Becky looked up at City Hall, and a rock formed in her gut. Why was she so nervous? She had done this hundreds of times before. Becky always liked getting to meetings early to settle herself and ensure she had everything prepared. But even an extra thirty minutes couldn't stop the gray building with its white pillars from looming above her like it was her final resting place.

"You alright?" Ember grabbed her shoulder, squeezing it reassuringly.

Becky cleared her throat. "Yeah, yeah. Fine."

She climbed up the front steps, Ember close on her tail. The bustle of City Hall immediately consumed them. The click of heels and politicallaughter filled her ears. The stale smell of glue and leather always gave her a headache when she came in here. It was too clean, too clinical. It stressed her out.

They made their way to the council chambers. A few college kids trying to earn some experience were placing chairs out for the public. Not that many people came to these kinds of meetings besides retired grandpas and a few other city officials, though.

The city manager placed packets at everyone's designated seats at the semi-circle table in the front of the hall. Rhodes looked up and nodded at Becky.

"Mornin', Chief!"

Becky raised her coffee as a greeting. "Morning."

Rhodes scurried over to her, taking out her glasses from her front pocket. She pressed them on, still having to squint to see her.

"I'm excited to see your proposal today. I'm hoping that you and Dr. Everett will be our emergency dream team." She fanned out her hands like she was advertising a Broadway show.

Becky nodded curtly. "We'll have to see where our ideas align, Ms. Rhodes."

She could almost see the bead of sweat forming on her brow as she looked anxiously between her and Ember.

Her daughter shrugged. "That's what meetings are for! Organizing, planning, touching base. " Rhodes smiled awkwardly. "Right, you are, Chief Thompson. Well, excited to discuss!" She hurried away from the two women, rushing to one of the temps.

"Damn, youarenervous,” a voice said from over her shoulder.

Becky turned to see her friend and Ember’s wife, Dr. Josephine Mars smiling at her. Her highlighted hair was pinned lightly back out of her face and as usual she looked immaculate. She was a smart skirt and blouse under her white lab coat.

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