He dialed, heart thumping so hard he could hear it.

It rang four times, and he was preparing to leave a voice mail when a tired voice answered, “Yes?” Relief that she was okay warred with concern at the exhaustion he heard.

“Denise?”

A pause on the end. “Jim Novik? Is that you?”

He relaxed back into his chair. “Yeah. I … well I heard about John on the news, and I wanted to call and check in with you. I’m so sorry for your loss.”

He wasn’t actually. He’d heard enough of the university gossip about the man and seen enough to confirm his suspicions. But it was the thing you said at a time like this.

A long sigh on the other end of the line. “Not you too, Jim.”

“What?”

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