Chapter 15Through a veil of sleep-induced fog, Barbara heard the doorbell ringing. She looked around the room, feeling disoriented, and then remembered her all-night discussion with Brian and realized that she must have fallen asleep on the couch. She heard the muffled and distant sound of water running, which told her Brian was in the shower. She straightened her clothing and pushed back her hair, all as reflex, knowing it would make little difference in the way she looked.
She called out, “Just a minute,” as she walked toward the door. She opened the door to find familiar, though not particularly welcome, faces. “Sergeant Merit, right?” she said politely.
“Merrick, ma'am. And you remember Officer Palmer?”
The uniformed man gave a brief nod.
“Yes, I remember. How can I help you, gentl
