when Anjanette leaned forward, the viny

he said. Her v

he rearview mirror. Lad

hospital. The

ps. Or maybe she just needed to be absolutely certain. She needed t

r Adam's mother, picking up prescriptions, delivering files. She slipped through a service entrance she knew was often left propped open for the

at her, but she walked with the brisk, annoyed purpose

ge that absorbed the sound of footsteps. She saw the Bentley pa

s and Gynecology suite. The do

large potted ficus. Her heart was beating so hard s

t, Mr. Horton. A deep, pro

voice. Adam, look. You c

si

e closed

ipboard. She paused to speak to a colleague

aking her head. You'd think it was the first baby

nurse replied. Only twelve w

ve w

ical slap. She did the math instant

eir third weddi

the merger talks were running long and he couldn't make it home. Anjanette had sat

ardroom. He had been i

m, Casie giggl

mble. It was the voice he used when he

ifle the retching sound that tried to escape

hallway, her vision blurring. She coll

t! he s

she could hear was twelve wee

the taxi and colla

said again. And th

ped into the search bar: Adam H

sion. Photos of Adam shaking hands with old men in suits. The PR t

inges silent. The butler, an older man named Stevens, opened the front door as the taxi pul

. Horton called. He said

ted. She walked past h

all hung a portrait of her and Adam from their wedding day. Adam looked bored. Anj

m the kitchen. Oh, Mrs. Horton! You're back

te said, walking

It was a room Adam had told her not to decorate yet. We'r

was cra

tte pu

es. Bags from high-end baby boutiques. A crib that cost m

on the changing table. There was

e little princess. Can't wa

Adam's

. She grabbed the edge of

obably knew. The entire world was in on

r closing downstairs. Then the sound of e

was