Cole didn’t say another word as the officer led him toward the hallway door.

The heavy front door clicked shut behind them, and the quiet came back to the bare rooms.

My father picked up my small leather travel bag from the floor.

“Your grandmother is waiting for us at the townhouse,” my father said.

“Daniel Harris is coming at six with the final decree.”

We took the service elevator down to the basement garage, avoiding the main lobby completely.

By six o’clock, the rain had turned into a steady, freezing mist over Midtown.