My breath caught.
The photograph hadn’t done her justice.
She was wearing a yellow sundress—simple, modest. Her hair was parted down the middle, long and wavy.
She looked nervous.
She looked beautiful.
She lookedrealin a way that made my chest tighten.
I stepped back from the window before she could see me.
I heard them come inside.
Raymond’s voice, calm and professional: “Right this way, Ms. Renois.”
Truth’s voice, softer, uncertain: “Thank you.”
“If you had called, I could’ve picked you up from the bus stop. I’m glad I at least caught you walking up the driveway.
I moved through the hallway silently, positioning myself just outside the formal sitting room. Out of sight. Close enough to hear everything.
The sitting room was one of my favorite spaces in the estate—high ceilings, crown molding, furniture that cost more than most cars. A massive oil painting of a French Quarter street scene hung over the fireplace. The windows overlooked the garden, letting in soft afternoon light that made everything look like old money and older secrets.
It was beautiful.
It was cold.
It was designed to intimidate.
I heard Raymond gesture toward one of the chairs. “Please, have a seat.”
The sound of her sitting down—the soft rustle of fabric, the creak of expensive leather.
“Can I get you anything?” Raymond asked. “Water? Coffee?”
“Water would be great. Thank you.”
Her voice was steady, but I could hear the nerves underneath.
I leaned against the wall, arms crossed, listening.
Raymond returned with the water. I heard the glass being set down on the side table.
“Let’s begin,” Raymond said. “I’m going to ask you some more detailed questions regarding medical history, family support, and your understanding of the contract terms. This is just preliminary. If everything checks out, you’ll meet with my client afterward.”
“Okay.” A pause. “I mean, yes. That’s fine. I’m ready.”
She was talking too much already.
Filling the silence.
I smiled in the darkness of the hallway.
Nervous.
“Let’s start with your medical history,” Raymond said. “Have you ever been pregnant before?”
