No one asked for a speech, and I gave none.

For the first time that morning, the party began to resemble the one Noah expected.

Then Howard came through the doorway.

He carried the blue folder with the brass clasp against his side.

He was dressed quietly, without the tie he usually wore in the office.

I had told Ethan he was reviewing the records.

I had not kept the visit secret, though Ethan had apparently hoped I would stop needing it.

“Why is Howard here?” Ethan asked.