Her phone buzzed twice against the edge of the stone sink.

The caller ID showed Cole’s main number.

Lauren reached into her pocket for her tablet, opened the voice memo app, and set the microphone right next to the phone’s speaker before answering.

“Are the babies quiet yet?” Cole asked.

His voice had the smooth, rhythmic tone he used in quarterly client meetings.

“Lily’s fever is down to ninety-nine,” Lauren said, keeping her tone flat and measured.

“Where are you?”