Nicole arrived just after four.
The house always felt different when she came. Staff moved quicker, their steps more purposeful. Conversations shortened mid-sentence. Even Margaret checked her reflection twice before stepping into the foyer, smoothing down her uniform and tucking a strand of gray hair behind her ear.
Mia was in the hallway when the front door opened.
She heard the heels first. Sharp, deliberate clicks against the marble floor that announced Nicole's presence before she even appeared.
"Nicole," Margaret greeted warmly, though there was something careful in her tone.
"Margaret," Nicole replied, her voice smooth and measured.
Mia stepped forward a moment later, her hands clasped loosely in front of her.
Nicole removed her sunglasses slowly, folding them with practiced precision, and looked at her. Really looked at her, in that way she had. The kind of look that catalogued everything in seconds.
"Mia."
"Yes, ma'am."
