The morning at the forum began without urgency.
Sunlight came through the large glass windows of the suite and lay across the low table by the window. The lake outside looked pale in the early light, its surface calm and still. The city beyond was not fully awake yet; only a few cars moved slowly along the waterfront road. Inside the suite, nothing had shifted.
Franz was already dressed when Arianne came out of the bedroom. He stood by the counter, his sleeves buttoned and his tie fastened. He did not look up right away when she entered. He picked up one cup of coffee and walked toward her at a relaxed pace.
He held the cup out to her silently.
Arianne stayed calm. Their fingers met briefly at the rim before separating.
She looked up at him.
He didn't speak. She didn't either.
He watched her over the rim of the cup. She noticed and held the look a second before turning toward the window.
