Chapter 156

Cassie

The intercom crackles with Peter’s exhale—relief or impatience, I can’t tell. Garrett doesn’t move from his spot by the stove after I’m done talking to my husband, but his muscular shoulders tense like coiled wire. I set the plate down, kimchi pooling gold under the eggs.

Footsteps thud up the stairs. Too familiar. Too heavy.

Peter’s knock is three sharp raps. Polite. A stranger’s rhythm.

G