Ronnie woke at daybreak after a restless night. She yawned. Only a couple of days before actually starting work; she'd have to put the time to good use. The books would get a thorough review. The need to understand how the place operated weighed heavily on her.

Dressed in jeans and a layered tee and sweatshirt, she headed to the kitchen. Fresh coffee smelled wonderful. When she rounded the corner, a man sat at the breakfast table chatting with Marie. A few more steps, and Mitch came ...