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When I returned, Sybil looked up.

“Everything okay?”

“Rick closed Hollowfield for today and released the protection detail. As of this afternoon, you’re officially done with having me attached to you everywhere you go.”

A smile started at the corner of her mouth, then changed before it fully appeared.

“Well. I suppose congratulations are in order for both of us.”

The words were light enough. Her voice wasn’t.

I sat beside her again. “You said you wanted to go to the studio. You don’t need me riding along anymore. I can get my overnight bag out of your spare room later and leave you some room to get back to normal.”

Sybil lowered her gaze to the paper bag Laurie had given her.

The shift in her was small. She folded the top of the bag once, carefully, then again.

“Sure. Whatever works for you.”

I watched her fingers flatten the crease.

“I don’t have to do it today.”

“You’ve been living out of a duffel at my house since Friday. I’m sure you have things you’d rather be doing.”

There was nothing sharp in the words. The warmth she normally gave me had gone behind something polished and distant.

Angie came back from helping Laurie at the counter and reached for her coat.

“If you still want the ride, I’m headed past your studio.”

Sybil stood. “That would be great.”

I looked at her.

She picked up the pastry bag and slid it into her tote. “Thank you for everything this weekend, Damien. I mean that.”

The formality of it landed harder than anger would have.

I got to my feet. “Sybil—”

Frankie shifted a chair out of Angie’s way while Pamela asked Sybil to text when she reached the studio. The moment opened and closed around ordinary family movement before I decided what I was trying to say.

Sybil put on her coat.

Then she left with Angie.

I stayed long enough to finish the coffee I no longer wanted.

Outside, I got into the SUV and sat with my hands resting on the wheel. The passenger seat was empty except for a folded Hollowfield map I had shoved into the door pocket Saturday afternoon.

I thought about what I had just told Sybil.

Her assignment had ended. She could drive herself, choose her own routes, work without me behind her shoulder, and sleep without somebody checking her windows.

I had covered every practical part of leaving.

During the last three days, I had told her I wanted her in bed. I had heard her tell me she wanted me rather than the job I did for her. I had slept with her in my arms after Grant was taken away.