Period

Twenty Paces

Two men, one dawn, twenty paces. Both came to your window the night before. You decide everything.

The harbormaster's widow runs the chandlery, weighs every sailor, and the storm just trapped you both ashore.

The hostess everyone wants and no one keeps — and tonight she's watching you.

A closed cafe, a phrase exchanged wrong. Eva has your package and a truth wrapped in a lie you'll want to believe.

Your first season. The card is full. The corset is tighter than it has to be.