For the first time in months, Serena left work on time. She decided to take the advice and get some proper rest, though it was mostly because she overheard Vera on the phone.

Vera never bothered to keep her conversations private, and she made it clear that she wanted James to pick her up for the weekend.

It was unclear what the response was on the other end, but Vera was all smiles, so it must have been a good one.

Serena had moved to a new desk. The location offered great ...