“I have my name,” I said.

“And tomorrow, I’m taking the Maribel back.”

We walked down the carpeted hallway of the Meridian Hotel, our heels clicking against the subfloor.

The air outside was cool and salty as we exited into the valet parking area.

The lights of Newport Harbor twinkled across the dark water.

My phone buzzed again in my hand.

It was a text alert from my bank.

*Notice: Your access to the online portal has been suspended.*

I stared at the screen, the reality of my situation settling in.

I had no home to go to tonight.

I had no money to pay for a hotel room.

But as I looked at the black USB drive in my palm, I knew I had exactly what I needed.

“Where are we going?” I asked Diane.

Diane unlocked her sedan with a quick double-click of her key fob.

“My office,” Diane said. “We have a long night ahead of us.”

As we pulled out of the hotel driveway, my phone lit up once more.

This time, it was a text from an unsaved number.