Lucy ran to get it.
Audrey said:
“Oliver.”
“What?”
“You don't have to do this.”
“I know.”
“Then why?”
He looked at her.
“Because you are freezing.”
“That’s the only answer I have tonight.”
The studio had not changed much.
Old easel near the north window.
Two landscapes still hanging.
A narrow bed against the wall.
Shelves filled with jars of brushes.
A cedar chest.
A small wooden table.
Oliver turned on the heater.
Checked the thermostat.
Then tested the smoke alarm.
The carbon monoxide detector was linked to the building’s central alarm system.
He pressed the test button.
Lucy covered her ears.
“It works.”
Oliver said.
He opened the exterior door.
Cold wind entered.
“These stairs go directly to the alley.”
“If the alarm sounds, use them.”
“Do not use the interior fire door into the cafe.”
Audrey nodded.
Lucy opened the cedar chest.
Pulled out a blue quilt.
“Mom made this.”
Oliver looked at her.
“You don't have to use that one.”
Lucy frowned.
“Why not?”
He had no answer.
So Lucy spread it across the bed.
Audrey helped.
On a shelf beside the window sat a framed photograph.
Hannah on Bluebird Corner’s opening day.
Flour on one cheek.
Oliver beside her.
Both exhausted.
Both smiling.
Audrey picked it up carefully.
“She looks happy.”
“She was.”
Oliver said.
He placed the spare key on the table.
“We'll make another plan in the morning.”
Audrey looked toward him.
“Thank you.”
Oliver nodded once.
Then left.
Lucy lingered.
“Audrey?”
“Yes?”
“Dad pretends soup fixes everything.”
Audrey smiled.
“Does it?”
“No.”
Lucy stepped toward the stairs.
“But it helps.”
After they left, Audrey locked the door.
Waited.
Then took the small phone from her bag.
She called the only number stored in it.
Marcus Reed answered on the first ring.
“Are you safe?”
“Yes.”
“Where?”
“Above a cafe on Church Street.”
Silence.
“Audrey.”
“I know.”
“The observation ended two hours ago.”
“I know.”
“The safe apartment was entered.”
Her hand tightened around the phone.
“How?”
“Credential access.”
“Whose?”
“We traced the temporary key to Preston’s executive office allocation.”
Audrey closed her eyes.
“Camera?”
“Preserved.”
“Nothing removed?”
“We don't know yet.”
“Do not enter again until forensic staff clear it.”
“How soon can you move me?”
“Forty-eight hours.”
“Maybe less.”
“I can drive now.”
“The interstate is slowing.”
“No.”
“Stay with the evidence.”
Marcus exhaled.
“Where exactly are you?”
“Bluebird Corner.”
Another pause.
Then Marcus said:
“Audrey.”
“What?”
“Bluebird Corner is Harbor Row.”
“I know.”
“No.”
“You don't.”
She became still.
“What are you telling me?”
“Cedar Bridge acquired the building eight months ago.”
Audrey looked at the floor.