Margaret came over, her small heels clicking on the wax-polished oak floorboards.

She reached out and tugged at the sleeve of my jacket, smoothing a wrinkle that didn’t exist.

“You’re pulling attention away from Daniel, Emily,” Margaret whispered, short of breath.

“Your brother has spent three years building up his standing in this town, and you walk in here looking like you’re on duty,” Margaret said.

I straightened the top brass button on the collar of my dress jacket.

“I’m on active duty until my transfer orders kick in,” I said.