"I don't know anything about modi operandi," they say, briefly proud of themself for the shallow dive they'd done on Latin phrases a while back, "But if this is a new way they're approaching things, all the more reason to be wary of it, you know?"

It's astounding how quickly hearing Natalia say she'll stop investigating has made Hope relax again. They lose the tension from their back and the pit in their gut, and they smile gratefully. "I appreciate it. I have enough things to worry about without adding 'a student got whacked' to the list."