The Weight of Secrets

CHARLOTTE

“Come… come in,” I stammered, stepping away from the entrance and holding the door open for them to walk in.

As they moved to different parts of the room, Sonia made a beeline for the wardrobe while the lawyer sat down on the couch opposite the bed. I peeped outside and scanned the hallway before closing the door. “Would you like something to drink? I could call room service,” I offered. They turned to look at me and shook their heads in unison.

“You don’t have to do that,” Sonia said, turning to open the wardrobe door. She placed the items she was holding inside and started to lock it when she noticed the bouquet.

“I’m alright,” Coleen said, setting her suitcase on the floor. I turned to her and watched as she reached into her bag, producing a notepad and a case file. “I had something to eat on my way here,” she added with a thin smile.

“Are you sure?” I asked, glancing at Sonia, who had moved from her previous position to a corner of the room. She was leaning against the w