Though my head was still pounding midafternoon when Patrick and I arrived back at the apartment, my demeanor changed the moment I heard activity in the kitchen. It was a little after three and for once I’d made it home before Lorna finished cooking.

With her earbuds securely in place, she didn’t hear us come into the kitchen as she spread ingredients over the counter. Placing my satchel on the floor, I moved closer.

“Oh! Araneae, you scared me to death. ...