“Thanks, Wayne,” Claire said.

“You made the right call on Maplewood Drive,” Wayne said, coming out from behind his desk.

“All of us saw the hardware report from the central utility office,” Wayne added.

Claire tucked the band of her headset into her coat pocket.

“I need to stop by the county annex before my shift starts,” Claire said.

“Take as long as you need,” Wayne answered.

At five twenty p.m., Claire climbed the wide concrete steps of the Child Protection Services building on Monroe Street.