#Chapter 230: The Talk

Charles Grace's knock broke through the haze of research that threatened to consume me. I'd hoped to find answers buried within the tomes and scrolls that littered my office. I knew it was in here somewhere, but I couldn't find it. Rising from my desk, I crossed the room and opened the door. Grace stood on the threshold, her shoulders slumped. She looked a little blue, crestfallen, beaten down, like she'd lost every bit of fight in her. She was dressed in a form-fitting dress and no coat, though she clearly had just come from outside. Her heels looked muddy. Tears streamed down her face. A wave of concern washed over me. I darted back to grab the throw blanket on the chair. I threw it around her and brought her inside as she started to cry. "What happened?" I got her settled on the couch nearest the fireplace. She sniffled as I stoked the fire and closed the door. I settled into the leather armchair across from her. She sniffled and told me that she'd gone out to the bar and met