The short walk over to Christian’s lab in one of the office buildings was relatively quiet. Cadence hadn’t realized that, by inviting both of them, she kind of did herself a disservice. She had intended to use Jamie for physical support and Aaron for emotional support, but now everything just seemed odd.

A man who appeared to be a little older than her with dark blond hair was hunched over a computer, his back to them when they came in. She assumed this must be Christian. He must ...