Esperanza looked back to him, her grin returning. He smiled at her and said she was in the right place. Jillian had said she'd be safe here. She trusted Jillian, so far. She could trust this man. And his smile was infectious. Distrust was her new norm but it wasn't her default, and falling back into easy smiles felt as natural as breathing.

She took his hand and shook it, maybe a little too eagerly.

"Jillian Andrews?" She gave the name, hoping she wasn't crazy still. "She sent me here. Said I should be welcome.

I guess I'm one of you guys?" She bit her lip a little nervously. "This is all kind of new to me. I didn't even realize what I was until I met Jillian. I can't believe there's a place like this."