Page 455 of Ruthless Court

This is concerning.

He unlocks the door.

Warm air rolls out.

So does music.

Christmas music.

Somewhere deeper in the house, a woman laughs.

Then Hannah.

I stop.

Her voice does something to me before I even see her.

Coach Goodwin glances over.

“Still time to run.”

“No chance.”

He smiles.

“Good answer.”

We step inside.

The house smells like sugar, cinnamon, and something baking.

Family pictures line the wall.

Hannah at five.

Hannah missing a front tooth.

Hannah in glasses too large for her face.

Hannah holding a basketball almost as big as her torso.

I stop.

Coach Goodwin follows my gaze.

“She hated that picture.”

“I need a copy.”

“You're growing on me.”

A woman appears from the kitchen.

Hannah's mom.

I know immediately.

Same eyes.