By the time Briony finally made it back to the studio, dawn was already breaking. Utterly exhausted, she changed into pajamas and collapsed into bed, falling

asleep almost instantly.

She had no idea how long she'd been out when a frantic knocking at the door jolted her awake.

Her eyes flew open and she stared at the familiar ceiling, breath coming quick and shallow. It took her a moment to gather her wits.

She'd been dreaming.

In the dream, she was standing above a river of blood, so vivid it made her shudder. Somewhere in the distance, an infant's cries echoed in her ears...

From outside the room, Hannah's voice rang out. "Briony? Are you awake?"

Her lashes fluttered. Briony pushed herself up, swinging her legs over the side of the bed.

The room spun as she stood, her body heavy and unsteady.

"Briony? Briony..." Hannah's voice grew more anxious.

"I'm coming," Briony croaked, forcing herself upright and shuffling to the door.

door swung open, Hannah

you scared me half to death. It's ten

something had happened

nothing if not a creature

she clearly

rasped,

giving her a once-over. "You don't look fine. Are

her forehead. It did feel a little

overworked lately," she said. "A few

do," Hannah insisted, placing a hand on Briony's forehead. "You've got a fever! You need to

trouble. I'll just take something for the

sure you don't want to go to

I just need some more

barely able to stand, Briony retreated to her bed and lay back

nasty flu going around. You really should

advance— cover twelve months-and give each person a year-end bonus of, say, twenty thousand. We'll start our holiday tomorrow, and won't

in shock.

this year, but with those numbers, the total payout would be nearly a

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