Jana met us with wide eyes upon our return. “Is everything okay?”

If only there was a simple answer to that question. Instead, I deferred. “Did anything happen while we were away?”

“No, mostly quiet.”

“Please hold all calls—all,” I emphasized, knowing there was one man who could be persistent.

“Ms. Hawkins?” Patrick asked as I headed toward my office.

I turned his way. “Winnie and I need to continue our conversation ...