I realize late in the afternoon that I haven’t come across either my sister, Isola, or my mate, Freya, at any point today. The oddness of their absence creeps in quietly, like a disruption in the familiar current of my routine.

Skipping breakfast is a habit for me, an easy sacrifice amidst the flurry of meetings and the ever-present stream of patrol reports. Today wasn’t any different—except I chose to squeeze in a workout, something to push against the weight of the day. ...