It was as if Deirdre had been submerged in freezing water.

Not getting any response, the voice continued. “Bren? Are you there?”

Still as gentle and chummy as ever. The only thing that changed about his tone was a slight hint of confusion caused by Deirdre’s prolonged silence.

She felt as though her chest had exploded. Her eyes were red.

It was Declan. It was Declan’s voice!

She thought she had mistaken his voice for another, but the second time he spoke dispelled any of her uncertainty.