Jessica was waiting outside the office building when I left for work this evening

I almost didn't see her at first. I was too busy thinking about Alex backhome, about how pale he'd looked this morning, about whether Angie had remember to give him his medication at noon.

"Cynthia."

I jumped, nearly dropping my bag. Jessica stepped out from where she'd been leaning against the building wall, her arms crossed over her chest.

"Jesus, Jessica. You scared me." I pressed my hand to my racing ...