Cold autumn rain spattered the windshield as I switched off the engine.

I sat behind the wheel for a minute, looking at the brass plaque beside the front door.

Walking into that building meant crossing a line I could never step back over.

I picked up my purse and got out into the rain.

The receptionist handed me a foam cup of lukewarm coffee and pointed me to the corner office.

Claire sat behind a wide oak desk, going through three open case files.

She looked up and waved me into one of the leather chairs across from her.