“We are having a very long conversation about taking buses alone.”
“Okay.”
“Very long.”
“Okay.”
Only then did Claire seem to notice the man standing several feet away.
Nathaniel had not interrupted them.
Claire’s entire body became still.
Nathaniel spoke first.
“Hello, Claire.”
Ruby looked between them.
Her mother’s face had lost its color.
“You know him too?”
Claire’s eyes remained on Nathaniel.
“Yes.”
The answer was barely audible.
Nathaniel swallowed.
“It’s been a long time.”
“Twelve years,” Claire said.
Ruby looked from one adult to the other.
Exactly twelve years.
The same amount of time Nathaniel had mentioned.
Suddenly the enormous lobby did not seem quite so enormous.
The mystery had narrowed into a small circle containing Ruby, her mother, and Nathaniel Graves.
Claire reached for Ruby’s hand.
“We should go.”
“Claire, please.”
“No.”
“There are things you need to see.”
“I’ve seen enough.”
