At 2 A.M., a Hidden

wall behind me.

“No,” I said out loud, though no one could hear me.

On the screen, Ava’s face had gone blank.

Not weak.

Not submissive.

Blank.

It was the expression of a person who had learned that reacting made things worse.

That was when my blood turned ice-cold.

Because Ava did not look surprised.

She looked practiced.

I ran.

I don’t remember crossing my office.continue reading …