CHAPTER 17

I observe her as she exits the building with Dan, passes a different camera in the foyer, and then eventually vanishes from view.

I then take the remote from the desk and fast-forward the video while watching her and Dan ascend the stairs once more.

I push play a sixth time after that.

I lean back in my chair and hear the leather squeak.

As she leaves the flat door, I look at her face. At that point, I paused. I feel as though she is staring directly at me at that same time.

I look into big blue eyes that are so heavily shaded that Dan's words start to echo in my head. broken but only damaged.

Even if Dan hadn't described to me what he'd seen—the wounds, scars, and suffering—I could tell by the look in his eyes.

I become lost in them. anything demanding effort.a committed effort. Since...her, I haven't let anything consume me.

Monica.

The person who, just before she split us apart so widely that we almost broke, brought us closer together than we had ever been.

But Lily, this woman, I