Chapter 44
The drive back from the market was silent, the heater in Julian’s Audi blowing only lukewarm air as if the car itself were protesting the lack of premium maintenance. Beside him, Siena sat with her hands tucked into her sleeves, the unsold "Spirit of the Forest" textiles sitting in the back seat like ghosts of a future they couldn't afford to claim. When they pulled into the mill's courtyard, the reality of their "month of truth" was waiting for them in the form of a yellow notice taped to the door. "The water," Siena whispered, reading the utility disconnection warning. "I thought I had until Monday." Julian didn't look at the notice. He was looking at his phone, which was vibrating with a persistence that felt violent. "It’s Arthur. And the firm’s lead counsel. They’ve been callin
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