Sure enough, Matthew soon came to the office.

With a composed smile, I asked, "Did Johnson call you? Where were you so early in the morning?"

"Yes, he called me. He said you were coming to work, and I was surprised you didn't mention it last night." He removed his coat, hung it up, and then looked at me. "I just went to check out a construction site on the way here."

I explained, “It was a spur-of-the-moment decision. I felt a bit free after sending Ava to daycare.”

Meanwhile, Matthew approa