She didn't go back to the front courtyard.
Instead, she rounded a corner and found herself standing by the pool again.
The night wind had picked up, sending ripples across the pool's surface. The lights shattered and danced in the water, a reflection of her own mind, which refused to quiet down.
Her thoughts were a tangled mess, impossible to sort out.
She was suddenly desperate for a cigarette, but of course, she had none.
All she could do was stare at the water, rippling in the wind.
Sure enough, the water helped calm her. At least on the surface.
"Valentine, where did you go? I've been looking all over for you." Jett Westgate's voice sounded from behind her.
Annelise Valentine didn't turn around. She kept her eyes fixed on the pool, as if captivated by some unmissable sight.
Footsteps drew near.
A jacket was draped over her shoulders. Jett Westgate rounded to her side, his gaze lowered to meet hers.
