Thirteen Years Later, Two Blue Competition Badges Answered Every Question

A woman stepped up to the second register, sliding a sleek black card through the side reader.

She wore a beige cashmere sweater and held a polished leather briefcase.

It was Vanessa.

Vanessa smoothed her dark hair behind her ear and looked at Claire’s hands on the counter.

“Claire?” Vanessa said, her consonants clipped and sharp.

“Are you looking for the public restrooms?

They’re down the south corridor near the side exit.”

Claire paused before answering, looking down at the bills on the glass.