Derek’s heart thudded in his chest as if it was trying to escape. He forced a casual shrug, hoping the dim light of the porch didn’t betray the panic creeping over his face.
“Claire?” he repeated, almost choking on the name. “Why would Claire be here?”
Emily squinted at him, her sharp gaze searching for cracks in his composure. She crossed her arms and took a step closer, the soft click of her heels echoing against the silence of the night. “I don’t know, Derek. You tell me. That looks like her car.” She pointed toward the sleek, silver sedan sitting ominously in the shadows, its profile too familiar to dismiss.
Derek glanced briefly over his shoulder, careful not to look too long or too concerned. He needed to steer this conversation before Emily’s curiosity became dangerous. “It’s no
