“Water is fine, thank you,” she said, offering a small smile.

As I walked into the kitchen, the sound of a heavy car engine idling outside caught my attention.

I looked through the kitchen window that faced the parking lot.

A black SUV was parked near the entrance of the complex.

The windows were heavily tinted, but I recognized the license plate immediately.

It was Grant’s car.

My hand shook slightly as I held the glass under the kitchen tap.

The cold water spilled over the rim, splashing my knuckles.

I wiped my hand on a dish towel and stared back out the window.

The black SUV remained there, its exhaust rising in pale plumes into the cold afternoon air.

Grant was watching the building.

I took a deep breath, forcing my shoulders down, and carried the glass of water into the living room.

Renee was sitting on the modest fabric sofa, her leather portfolio open on her knees.

“Thank you,” she said, taking the glass.

She placed it carefully on a coaster on the small side table.