Julian's car came through the gate eleven minutes after she called.
Kya knew because she counted.
She was back in the living room when she heard the engine, sitting in the same armchair she had taken earlier, watching the officer finish his preliminary notes. Sebastian had been quiet since she returned — contained, careful, like a man who understood he had already said everything that needed to be said and that anything more would only make it worse.
Cecilia had asked for water. Mrs. Cooper brought it without being asked twice.
Maya had not moved from the sofa. She held her wine glass with both hands now, no longer drinking from it, just holding it like it was the only familiar thing left in the room.
The front door opened.
Julian walked in.
He was still in his work clothes — dark s
