BARELY FIVE MINUTES HAD passed since John had left through the window in Edward’s office. And it was as if the fury of wind and rain had been mysteriously taken away with his departure. Distant sirens, once undulating through moisture-soaked atmosphere, had now become clarion and crisp as they drew nearer.

Charlotte placed her hand on Edward’s and squeezed it lightly. Moments passed until his hold on the document softened, and he surrendered it to her. Sliding the document toward her, s...