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Her heart skipped a beat, and in a flash, she composed herself. She couldn't let Emma hear any of this. Quickly, she hung up the phone, slipping it into her bag as if nothing had happened. Her breath came out in shallow gasps, but she managed to muster a smile as Emma approached.

"Tasha," Emma said, nodding small and politely, her voice as smooth as always. "I didn't expect to see you here. Are you all right?"

Tasha forced herself to smile; she wanted the anger that had still churned inside to retreat from view. "Yeah, just. needed to clear my head for a second." She glanced at the door to Fabian's office, and her chest squeezed a little. "It's been a lot to take in, you know, with everything going on."

Emma nodded her head, then held Tasha in her gaze for a moment more than was entirely necessary. "I understand. If ever you need to talk, I'm here."

"Thanks, Emma," Tasha said. Her tone was strained, but it didn't quiver. She watched as Emma nodded reassuringly and continued down the h