Ashley’s daydream snapped the instant her pocket buzzed. The vibration jolted her, and without wanting to disturb Vance, she slipped out quietly. She pushed through the lobby doors, heading toward the parking lot, phone pressed tight to her ear.

“Hello? What’s going on? You sound totally panicked,” Ashley said, her voice sharp with confusion.

Arthur’s breathing came fast and heavy on the other end, like he’d just sprinted through a storm. Ashley’s pulse spiked instantly. ...