The blood drained from Thomas's face, leaving his skin a sickly white. The name, Samantha, echoed in the sudden silence of his office, a name that sent a jolt of icy dread through his veins. He hadn't seen her since he left her at the hospital.
He swallowed hard, his throat dry and constricted. The knock had been sharp, decisive, utterly unlike the hesitant tap of a colleague. He should have known. He should have been prepared.
He looked at the door, the plain wood suddenly seeming like a barrier between him and something he had desperately hoped to avoid. He didn't answer immediately, his mind racing, trying to make sense of this unexpected intrusion. Why now? Why here?
The knock came again, louder this time, more insistent.
"Thomas? I know you're in there." Samantha's voice, though
