Isolde could not stop thinking about the message. Two o’clock at the old café. She kept checking the time on her phone while Damien worked in the study. The collar felt like it was watching her every thought.
"You seem distracted," Damien said from across the table. He looked up from his laptop. "Talk to me."
"I am fine," she lied. The collar gave a small warning buzz. "Just thinking about everything."
He reached across and took her hand. "We are getting close. Your memory is giving us everything we need. A few more days and we can end this."
She squeezed his hand. "I know. I just... I need some air. Can I go for a walk? Just around the building."
Damien studied her face. "Take security with you."
"I will." She stood up and kissed his cheek. "I will be back soon."
The lie tas
