***The Studio***

The car ride home was silent.

Daniel's hands gripped the steering wheel like he wanted to break it. His jaw worked constantly. Chewing on words he wasn't saying yet.

Emma stared out the window. Watched the city lights blur past. Felt Arthur's business card burning in her clutch like a promise. Like hope.

They pulled into the driveway. Daniel killed the engine. Sat there.

"You're going to reject it," he said finally.

Not a question. A ...