Chapter 3

"Oh, Martha, you're here," I said, squeezing out a smile and clutching the black box in my hand.

Martha's eyes scanned the place like radar, sweeping over every corner.

She walked over to the water dispenser, grabbed a disposable cup, filled it to the brim, and gulped it down. Then she poured herself another, and without hesitation, pulled out a bottle from her pocket and filled it up too.

"This heat is brutal. Mind if I mooch some water off you?" Martha asked. But her hands were already busy, not waiting for permission.

"Not at all, help yourself," I replied.…