CHARLOTTE

“Hi, Ms. Edwards,” Mr. Berkley muttered, as I stepped out of the vehicle. He was dressed entirely in black, and I realized I hadn’t paid enough attention to notice his outfit when we met at the office. He was waiting in the parking lot, and he started to take off his coat when he noticed my sleeveless top.

It was warm when we left, so I didn’t think about bringing a jacket. But now, the weather seemed to mirror the turbulence in my mind as the winds picked up. I rubbed my palms together and stood beside him, resisting the urge to turn around and look at the car....