ut through the ch

ving room floor. Frieda pushed herself up from the a

fa and headed straight

to make han

ato and a yellow onion. Her movements were quick and prec

groan came from

eyes. The sunlight hit

heels of his hands again

around his waist. His body went completely still.

rhythmic ch

nding at the kitchen counter. She was wea

st night hit him l

ay he had pinned her wrists.

together. His stomach churned with deep, bitt

is legs. He forced his fac

rd the kitchen. His footste

ld a steaming bowl of tomato

ft, hesitant smile

the second sh

ing. It cut through her

gers tightened around

e soup. His upper l

," he said. His voice was fla

he words felt like

g. She slowly turned and placed the bowl on the counter. She k

n't look a

and marched straight

med shut with

He turned on the faucet. He splashed freezing cold water onto his face

inkled shirt and pulled a fresh, dark, pe

s. He looked in the mirror. The cold,

he bedroom. He ignored

om they used as a study and

into his secure cloud drive, a habit he maintained to keep his personal

eled: Divorce Agreemen

chest felt tight, but he ign

inal number. It was enough money to keep her comfortab

ain pen. He flipped to the pri

against the thick paper.

ring echoed thro

t rang again. F

sh black scratch across the paper. He cu

ieda wiped her wet

ront door. She leaned forward a

ver hair and wore a tailored tweed coat. A middle-aged woman stood

no idea who

n unlocked the deadbolt and pul

n face instantly melted

rieda," Eleono

hed the door wide open and stepped right into the a

, Dewitt hea

. He recognized th

oved them into the bottom drawer

y door and stepped i

Eleonora. His pupils

er head. She lock

carried the heavy, unquestionable

ce drained

ectly controlled world had