The apartment was still cloaked in shadows when Annabel heard the key turn in the lock.
Her heart gave a small leap. She was still sitting on the couch, Jude’s card a warm spot in her hand.
The front door opened and Fred walked in, his presence immediately filling the space with a familiar, calming energy.
He dropped his keys in the small bowl on the table by the door.
“Annabel?” he said. He noticed her sitting in the dim light. “You’ve been here all day?” he asked.
“I went out,” she said. “For a walk and for coffee.”
She didn't mention the taxi, the ride to the city, the meeting with Jude. She still wasn't ready to tell him everything.
He walked into the living room and sat in the armchair opposite her, the one where he had sat just this morning.
The fabric seemed to sigh as h
