(Author's POV)
Daniel laughed. They talked for a while - research directions, the difference between clinical and lab work, the particular frustrations of peer review. He was easy to talk to. Aurora found herself relaxing into the conversation.
Then, out of professional habit, she asked, "What's your specialty?"
Daniel paused. He smiled, but the smile had something careful behind it. "That's actually a question you'd be better off not pursuing."
Aurora stared at him. "What does that mean?"
"It means," he said pleasantly, "that some things are better discovered in context."
She was still trying to work out what that meant when the doorbell rang.
Mrs. Walsh went to answer it. Aurora turned toward the hallway.
Eleanor Everett walked in. And behind her, Phineas.
Aurora went still for
