Chapter 3

The next morning, my badge no longer opened the office. I'd helped build Daniel's business, but he'd revoked my access without warning.

My assistant approached nervously. "He's hiring Sienna into your position. He says you'll calm down."

I asked HR for my final paperwork. If Daniel wanted to erase me from the company, I wasn't going to fight to stay where I wasn't valued.

Later, I found him preparing another apartment for us.

"A fresh start," he announced. "After the license appointment, we'll move again. I won't let her disturb us anymore."

"Will the lock still recognize Sienna's fingerprint?"

He didn't answer.

An installer turned to his assistant. "Do we keep Ms. Gray's access on the new keypad, sir?"

Daniel stared at the equipment for a moment.

"We'll decide later."

That hesitation told me more than any confession.

Ten moves hadn't been about protecting our privacy. They'd been an elaborate way of keeping both women within reach.

I made my own arrangements: a final transition at work, a ticket home, and no address for Daniel to find.