ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Unknown number.
When I answered, a voice I recognized immediately came through, tight and controlled.
I smiled at the dark sky.
It was starting.
Carol arrived at my building less than two hours later.
The doorman announced her name with the same polished tone he used for every resident, but I could hear the hesitation underneath it. People like Carol were used to being welcomed on their own terms. Being announced was new for her.
I let her come up.
The elevator doors opened onto my floor, and she stepped out alone. No Ashley. No Ethan. Just Carol, dressed impeccably, holding a designer handbag like armor.
