I loaded my bag into the car. My sons gave me hugs as if they'd never see me again. My husband stood sadly and worried. He held me for a long time.

Our argument over the past 24 hours lingered in my head. I was still going. This was the opportunity of a…

Thermu burst into the parlor without knocking, her voice raised in excitement.

"Esma! I found it! I finally found-"

Esma turned with a panicked smile and owl-wide eyes from her seat in the wingback chair. Across from her sat a sharply dressed man with lon…