FAYE
I knew I heard Alexander’s voice.
That realization came before I even reached the office door—before I consciously registered where I was headed. His voice had a way of anchoring itself in my awareness, calm and low and unmistakable, like a familiar thread I could always follow.
So I pushed the door open without knocking.
“I knew it,” I said lightly as I stepped inside. “I thought I heard you—”
And then I stopped.
Helen was sitting across from Alexander’s desk.
Not standing. Not passing through.
Sitting.
My steps slowed automatically as my mind caught up with what my eyes were seeing. Weren’t they supposed to be at her house? Alexander had said he was going to see his mother. I’d assumed that meant… there.
Instead, here they both were. Together in his office.
Helen looked u
