Daniel’s quiet footsteps approached from her behind, his presence announced by the subtle shift in the air rather than any sound. She caught his reflection in the window - tall, steady, his drape swung perfectly against the winter light. Her heart performed its usual unauthorized response, but now there was something else too - a dangerous sense of rightness that threatened all her careful plans.

“The witness lists need final review,” he said softly, close enough that his breath stirred the loose strands of hair at her neck. “And we should address any remaining discovery disputes before-”

“I’ve got the preliminary drafts here,” Sophia interrupted, sweeping into the room with an armful of files. Her blonde twists caught the diffused light, creating a halo effect that matched her bright energy. “Though we might need the supplemental documentation from downstairs.”

As if summoned by the words, Stacy Mollins appeared in the doorway, her clerk runner’s badge catching the light. Her arms were laden with the files Sophia had requested, her face flushed from the climb despite the building’s efficient climate control.