Once outside, she hurried off toward her apartment at such a pace she didn’t realize how fast she was going and nearly collided with Alex as he was crossing the street. “Well, I dare say, aren’t you quite the thoroughbred.” He stepped out of the way just in time and gave her a slight bow.

“I’m sorry,” Cadence said, thinking she’d had enough Revolutionary War soldiers for one night.

“It’s quite all right, Cadence. How are you feeling? I trust your procedure went as expected since you are much swifter than the last time I saw you.” He smiled at her, standing in the sort of pose one might expect...