It was as if time stopped.

Xander stood in the doorway, filling it completely with his presence. He was still in his charcoal suit, the white shirt with the sleeves now rolled up to his elbows. His eyes swept the room with that cold, assessing look I'd seen him use in board meetings.

Then they landed on me and something shifted in his expression.

"Cynthia." He said calmly. "I've been looking for you."

Behind me, I heard someone choke on their drink.

"Mr. Romano?" Sarah's voice came out ...