“Homework first.”
“Grandma said homework after food makes your brain work
better.”
“Grandma is a criminal influence.”
Mia smiled.
Ethan smiled back.
Then someone knocked.
Three slow knocks.
Ethan looked toward the door.
Nobody visited without calling.
He opened it.
And every trace of warmth disappeared from his face.
Victoria Hale stood on his porch.
No business suit this time.
Dark coat.
Simple clothes.
No entourage except a black sedan parked down the street.
She looked smaller than she had on the airplane.
Human.
Vulnerable.
Ethan stared at her.
“You.”
Victoria nodded.
“Me.”
“How did you find my house?”
“I have resources.”
“That’s supposed to make this better?”
“No.”
“Then leave.”
He started closing the door.
“Ethan, I know.”
