“I had three calls from the plumbing supplier before eight this morning,” Julian said with a soft laugh.

The side door latch clicked into its metal frame behind me as the spring arm pulled it shut.

Julian turned toward the sound, his face flattening into the stiff expression he saved for subcontractors who owed him money.

“The front office is closed to visitors on Thursday mornings, Audrey,” Julian said, stepping away from the counter.

“I came to get my personal state tax records out of the bottom drawer,” I said, pointing toward the metal cabinet.

I touched the silver band of my wedding ring, turning it twice around my finger as I stood by the blueprint table.