A rough knock at the door a couple of hours later pulls me from my thoughts. I straighten, masking any trace of the inner turmoil I feel. “Enter.”

The door opens, and Simon steps in again. His expression is grim, which makes me wonder what happened now. He carries a folder in one hand, but that doesn't hold my attention. It is more the tension in his shoulders that put me on alert.

“What is it now?” I ask, my tone sharper than I intend.

Simon closes the door behind him with a soft ...