Chapter 59 The Past

***Hazel***

It’s quiet in his house in a way that feels intentional.

Not peaceful. Not calm.

Contained.

The kind of silence that’s built, reinforced, maintained, like everything else here.

Gideon stands near the window, arms crossed, watching the courtyard cameras cycle on the screen behind the glass. He hasn’t looked at me in a few minutes. I don’t think he’s avoiding me. I think he’s bracing.