ELLA

I sprinted down the stairs and startled the receptionist with my sudden appearance. She looked like she had forgotten who I was and seemed ready to ask how I had gotten past her.

I didn’t stop to create an opportunity for conversation—I simply waved goodbye and walked out the front door in quick strides. I glanced around for the black Mercedes Quincy and I had arrived in but couldn’t find it.

I started to worry that Eve had grown impatient waiting and left. Then I saw her in a blue Cadillac, tapping her fingers against the wheel to the beat of the song blaring through the speakers.

I jogged...