Chapter 9 · His Name on Her Mother's File

Vivian's hands won't stop shaking.

The file is still on the floor where she dropped it. Her mother's name printed across the top in block letters. And at the bottom, in ink that's faded but still clear enough to read—Lucas Croft.

She hears footsteps in the hallway. Heavy. His.

She grabs the file and shoves it back in the drawer, but her fingers are clumsy and the pages stick out at odd angles. She slams it shut anyway. Turns the key. Drops it on the desk because there's no time to put it back in his pocket now.

The door opens.

Lucas stops when he sees her. His eyes go to the desk. To the key. Then to her face.

"Vivian."

She doesn't answer. Can't. Her throat is locked up and if she opens her mouth she's going to scream or cry or both.

He takes a step forward. She takes one back.

"What did you do," he says, and it's not a question.

She laughs. It comes out sharp and ugly. "What did I do? That's what you're asking?"

His jaw tightens. He moves toward the desk, picks up the key.