Claire wondered why Vanessa had been hovering around the central registration desk an hour ago.

Claire had seen her lingering near the master roster printouts before the morning briefing even began.

“We’re doing fine,” Claire said.

“Are you?” Vanessa tilted her head, her eyes sweeping over Claire’s worn cardigan.

“The administrative requirements for state events are quite complex.

I noticed you spent ten minutes arguing with the check-in staff earlier.”

“There was a clerical mix-up with our name badges,” Claire said.

“Of course.” Vanessa offered a thin smile.