The escort claim came back across the desk with a question attached.
The man holding it looked at Lyra as though she could make the missing return fare appear by acknowledging him.
“Clerk first,” Vera said.
The clerk checked the approved journey, found the incomplete entry and asked the escort which connection he had actually used. Lyra moved away from the desk while they settled it.
A lodging payment had already gone through. Willa stood by the register comparing a lease copy before she left for work. Neither required Lyra to stay another hour.
She checked the contact note instead.
The first review date. The independent appeal route. Who could receive a message arriving late through an ordinary carrier. What nobody could promise merely by saying she would approve it when she came back.
Vera gave her the final copy.
