The following morning, Bruce Hill sat in his office, his thoughts tangled in a web of curiosity. Sharon Sims was unlike anyone he had encountered in his professional circle. There was a sharpness to her, a glimmer of something extraordinary,and something buried.
As he scanned his emails, a soft knock interrupted his thoughts. "Come in," he called, instinctively straightening.
Sharon stepped in, her presence commanding attention even though she wore her usual business attire. There was a slight pause as their eyes met, a brief but charged moment that neither acknowledged aloud.
"Good morning, Bruce," Sharon began, holding a manila folder close to her chest.
"Good morning, Sharon. How are you today?" His tone was warmer than usual.
"Doing well, thank you," she replied, placing the folde
