Eli reopened Rook’s invitation while he and Kellan unloaded a replacement support from a borrowed cart. He had shown Kellan the message after helping Leona move; now they had a moment to read its exact wording.
The message was short. Rook wanted a private conversation about the recent gate incidents and the inquiry. He suggested the Aegis community office and offered a time the following afternoon. No contract was attached.
Kellan read it again over Eli’s shoulder. “You could decline.”
“I could.”
“Are you going to?”
Eli set the support against the wall. “I want to know what he thinks he can tell me now.”
“Then tell the rest of us before you answer.”
They met at the clinic after the afternoon appointments. Tessa had read the invitation. Sera asked whether the proposed room had a public entrance. Nora checked whether the message contained any condition on confidentiality. It did not, although Rook had asked for a private meeting.
