RENEE

“Renee.” Nicole ran toward me as I stepped out of the station house. She wrapped her arms around me, and we stood there, cuddling in the crisp, bright afternoon sunlight.

“Are you okay?” As I drew back slightly, her eyes, anxious and sympathetic, searched mine.

I mustered a smile. Despite my puffy cheeks and swollen red eyes from bawling my heart out, I managed to nod. “I believe I’m fine.”

She remained silent as she studied my countenance. “How is Robert?”

“He's ...