“The financial office closes its intake desk at eight o’clock, Rebecca,” he said, his voice dropping into a flat, firm tone that stripped away the warmth he had used earlier.

“If this form isn’t turned in before eight, we’ll have to redo the entire insurance package tomorrow morning.”

“Then I’ll read it right now in Grace’s room,” I said, folding the sheet back along its original creases.

Daniel reached out to take the paper back, but I stepped aside and slid the folded sheet into the inside pocket of my cardigan.

He stood still for three seconds, watching me with a tight, guarded expression before he cleared his throat.