ELLIS was already bent halfway toward her office chair when Astrid shared the news. Her aim went completely off and her backside hit only the edge of the seat, making the chair spin sideways. She had to grab the armrest with both hands to keep from sliding off onto the floor. Once she finally caught her balance, she sat there staring at the screen, mouth open, one hand still gripping the armrest like she was afraid the chair would move again.
For a few seconds she did not move at all, like her brain had shut down. Then she blinked. Then she blinked again. She straightened up slowly and ran a hand down her face, still staring at the screen like she was waiting for Astrid to say he was joking.
