I was pretty sure I did.

I was about to respond to Kaila with "Sure honey, I understand about you wanting Charlotte," When my phone buzzed.

"When are you going to get here?" read the text message.

I held up the phone and pointed to the message. As Kaila looked on with rapt attention I typed my response and pushed send.

"I'm not. Fine will be paid. Get your own ride to the Impound."

With that, I shut off my phone and placed it on the dresser.

"Let's get going." I remarked, feeling like I was doing something final.

"You do know you have to message me the payment info before you leave your phone." Kaila pointed at the item I had left on the surface. "Lets be practical here."

I chuckled, picking up the phone again. I quickly forwarded the messages from Imogene to Kaila, then turned the phone off again.

"Ok, Better?" I grinned.

"Yeah, I think so." Kaila stood, giving me a soft peck on the cheek. "But no prizes for the first step of a marathon."

We exited the room, moving to the front room. Helen and Charlotte ceased their quiet conversation at our approach, but the smiles on their faces as we entered put my heart at ease.

"How's it going?" Kaila inquired, crossing the room briskly.

"Slow, Kay. Slow." Charlotte replied, her eyes on me. "There's still some issues."

"Yeah, I know that feeling." Kaila remarked. "We'll try to get our baggage sorted while we're out, because apparently we're taking on some more."

"I know, right?" Charlotte rolled her eyes. "So much..."