The gentle, hazy morning light greeted Annabel as she awoke.
The light that came through the blinds was soft and gentle. With the burden of the previous two days gradually easing off her shoulders, she lay motionless.
She found herself in a room and bed that weren't hers and the air had a clean cinnamon-like scent.
It wasn't the oppressive silence of the mansion but it was still there. This calm silence was a comfort to her tired spirit.
The crisp sheets rustled as she slowly sat up. She heard a coffee maker's rhythmic far-off hum.
A fresh reality was taking hold.
She stepped out of bed barefoot on the cool floor and made her way to the door.
Fred stood with his back to her in the kitchen. In a mug he was pouring a dark liquid. In a fragrant plume, the steam rose.
She was sta
