He opened his arms and folded me into them, careful of the baby, and held on, and when he spoke his voice was rough in a way I’d never heard from him.

“You did well,” he said.

“You did so well, Marla.

He would be so proud of you.

God, he’d be proud.” I let myself be held for a moment, and then I stepped back and did what I do, which is ask the operational question.

“Is it closed, sir?” “Sealed tight.” He handed me into the car.