hiskey and the cold night air. He didn't come

d the live feed from t

't make a call. He just typed, his expression focused

her patience s

utes, he closed the la

settled into bed, and composed

rrying a small tray. On it was a single gl

aned down to kiss her forehead, his

open, feigning grog

ou," he said, smiling. "No alcoh

old smile touch

of you," she said, sitt

." Once inside, she dry-swallowed the sobriety pill she had ready.

from his outstretched hand. It smelled cloy

ant gaze, she dr

ave of drowsiness, far more potent than anyth

panic piercing her calm. It's stronger. T

follow the script. She let her bo

his face, and gently laid her down,

ing fast, pulling her down

for her phone under the covers, pressed the recor

in the study would miss, but her

standing by the bed for a long time. The

ont door of the apartment open a

lids were sealed shut. She tried to mov

gone. She could hear muffled

oice. And another v

ocking quality. They were in the living

teps. Two sets. Comi

remained a dead weight on the mattress. Fear, pure a

m door cre