Ruby's POV

The next morning, the shrill buzz of my alarm cut through the patter of rain against the window. For a moment I stayed under the blanket, listening to it, wishing I could sink back into sleep. But reality tugged harder. I had work to do.

I showered quickly, tied my hair into a low ponytail, and grabbed the coffee I’d picked up from the diner. By the time I reached Rebecca’s office, the damp scent of rain still clung to my clothes.

She was already at her desk, glasses perched ...