Every Little Sign by Pace Michele

Author:Pace, Michele
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Michele Pace
Published: 2023-01-08T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO

Emma

The stainless-steel container careens off the first step, its loosely fitted lid unable to contain the liquid as it catapults down the stairs. It comes to rest at the bottom, settling in a pool of the hot coffee I had just poured. Crap!

A middle-aged woman walking a silver-and-black Australian shepherd approaches before I can reach the sidewalk. The puppy trots over, prodding its nose into the brown wetness, lapping it up. Appearing annoyed, its owner tugs at the leash, goading her little fur-baby to come along. I apologize, hunching down to pick up the mug, then set it on the porch, my fingers sticky from the vanilla creamer oozing between them. I rifle through my bag for a pack of tissues and swipe the moisture away. A voice calls out my name from behind me and I pivot to see Frankie standing outside his door, waving feverishly in my direction.

Knowing I won’t be able to finish any conversation I start now, I’m forced to keep moving. Raising my hand high, I wave as my legs continue to propel me forward, but he keeps calling my name, his right arm sweeping in a high, slow arc. I glance back again, without slowing down. He stops waving, his arms sinking to his sides. My entire body sighs as I hurry up the street, trying to make up some time.

R

Passing the reception desk, I notice Miles Fisher sitting on the lobby couch with his earbuds in, talking on his cell. I slip by, hoping not to draw his attention. My office is warm, so I toss my coat over the chair and adjust the thermostat, then quickly print my notes. My cell pings and I look down—Mason. I ignore the text. When I look up, Logan is standing in my doorway. “Let’s meet in the small conference room in five,” he says.

“I’ll be there,” I respond. I look back down at my phone and notice a voicemail that came in last night. I recognize the number—Jessie. As I listen to the message, my pulse quickens; I want desperately to call her back right now, but I can’t. I close my laptop and charge up the hall.

Curling my fingers into a fist, I tap lightly on the door and push it inward. The two men are sitting with their backs to the wall, staring out the window and chatting. The conference room is small, but even after all these years the panoramic view of Boston against the vivid blue sky still takes my breath away.

Mile stands, extending his arm. “Good to see you again, Emma.”

I offer an obligatory smile and shake his hand.

We settle into the tan leather chairs, and I flip open my laptop to take notes. Logan powers up his iPad. “Emma, would you like to start?” he asks.

Suddenly the voices around me fade, while the one in my head rises. I can’t stop hearing Jessie’s message. But then Logan’s voice booms and I snag a glance at his perplexed expression.

“Emma?”

“Sorry,” I say, looking toward Miles.

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