The house
Ken’s home is large enough to hold a studio and, later, more of her than he will ever count. He parks the Ram in the drive. The other car is a joke he has not finished making. Sarah already knows which floorboard speaks.
Monroe Township, 2026
Cedar Hollow Lane
Quiet, spacious, carefully maintained. Large homes set back from the road. Deep lawns. Mature trees. Light traffic. Private residents. The street feels comfortable, controlled, and slightly insulated — exactly the kind of place Sarah would choose to build around him.
The neighbor
Hestia Vale visits. She does not take a key. She is the easiest room in his day and will remain only that until much later. Ken does not know she is the hearth.
Her dossierMen on the lane
Real-seeming voices so the pattern never looks like a pattern. Sarah calls this a buffer. Ken calls it a life.
Elias Crowe
Close friend
Julian Hale
Business ally
Marcus Vell
Creative collaborator
Roman Hale
Barber, life confidant