The Teschmachers

Even with the slight sense of security his presence provided, Darren could still see it in her eyes; the fear, the unease clinging to her like a shadow.

Rachel was a type of woman who lived her life on composure, Darren knew that much about her. He saw this in real time too.

She was desperately trying to compose herself, to pretend like the encounter at the state office hadn't rattled her.

Unlike usual, she wasn't being very good at it today.

The look on her face right now. Darren had seen that look before. The kind that came from knowing your life had suddenly shifted into dangerous territory.

He moved toward the kitchen, saying nothing at first after the hey as he took out a bottle of whiskey from the cabinet. "You're still terrified," he said, not as an accusation, just a fact.

Rachel exhaled, wrapping her arms around herself. "I'm trying not to be."