Page 91 of Shadow
“Finally,” Roger said.
“Already?” Destiny looked disappointed. “I was having such a lovely time.”
“We can come back next month.”
Except they wouldn’t be here next month. The testimony was in six days.
The thought tightened Asher’s chest.
They walked out into the November night, cool air hitting them after the warmth. Stars cast overhead against a velvety sky. Woodsmoke hinted the breeze.
Destiny chatted about the people she’d met. The conversations she’d had.
Roger complained about his feet hurting. About being forced to socialize.
Daphne walked beside Asher. Close enough their arms brushed occasionally.
“That was nice,” she said quietly.
“Yeah. It was.”
“Thank you. For dancing with me.”
“Thank you for not stepping on my feet.”
She smiled. “I make no promises for next time.”
Next time. The words hung there.
And with everything inside him, he wanted a next time.
They approached the house. Dark, the lights off except for the front porch.
Except—
Asher stopped, a hand on Daphne’s arm.
“What?” Her voice immediately shifted. Alert.
“Front door.”
She looked. And stiffened.
The door was open. Just slightly. Maybe an inch.
They’d locked it. He’d checked it twice. Secured it. Armed the system.
Someone had been inside.
“Stay here,” Asher said. Low. Controlled. “All of you. Don’t move.”
He drew his weapon and approached the door. Listening.
No sound inside. No movement.
He eased the door open.
The glow of the microwave splashed into the kitchen, the living room dark, just his reflection in the sliding glass door.
