The frown deepens. “A date?”

Richard’s gaze wanders to my thighs where the slit of my skirt has opened a bit too much.

I cross my legs. “No, work. I’m meeting an ex-colleague to gather info on that Maison Vanderbilt story.”

“Want company?”

“No, it’s better if I talk to her alone. I don’t want to spook the source. Last thing I need is to walk in on her with a stranger. She still works at Évoque, and going behind their back isn’t easy.”

“Is the appointment in Brooklyn?”

“No, downtown.”

“Get your stuff, I’m giving you a lift home.”

“Why?”

“It’s dark. You shouldn’t walk home alone this late.”

I’m tempted to say I’m a big girl and point out that this is not the same New York of the eighties. But I’m so tired I’d gladly skip all the fuss of changing and walking home.

“Come on, Chevron,” I call. “We’re going home.”

“Woof.”

I haven’t attached her leash yet so that as soon as we exit the office, Chevron launches herself into the hall.

“Ouch!” someone screams.

There’s a teenage girl sitting on the floor of our landing who’s trying to fend off Chevron’s overenthusiastic reception.

I dash after the pup, trying to grab her by the collar while apologizing to the girl. “I’m so sorry. I didn’t expect someone to be out here. But she doesn’t bite, I promise.”

“It’s okay,” the girl says, cuddling Chevron. “She’s the cutest thing.”

I manage to drag my overexcited puppy off the girl, who looks a bit too sad for her age.

“Hey, are you all right?” I ask.

The girl rolls her eyes. “Yeah, just waiting for my mom to finish work.” She points at the door to her left.

I follow her finger to a plaque on the wall.

Vivian Hessington

Attorney at Law

Family Law — Divorce Attorney

The only other door on our floor opens, and a tall guy with a mop of curly dark hair comes out.

We all exchange a polite greeting and then his blue eyes widen when he spots the girl on the floor. “Tegan.”

“Hi, Luke,” the girl says.

The girl and the newcomer seem familiar with each other. Suddenly, I remember the shouted conversation I overheard the first day I came here. The woman was screaming for the man to keep out of her daughter’s life. And the man was yelling back how someone ought to intervene since her mother didn’t seem up to the task. So this Luke is Mr. Meddling. I read the plaque next to his door.

Lucas Keller

Psychologist

Marriage Counseling, Couples Therapy, Family Specialist

Mmm, interesting pairing.

I never noticed we were sharing the floor with a divorce attorney and a couple therapist.

“What is she doing?” Luke asks, sounding mad.

“She’s working late,” the girl says. “Big surprise…”

“Up,” Luke offers her a hand. “Come wait inside my office.”

They disappear behind the door just as the elevator arrives. I attach Chevron’s leash and follow the boss inside.