Danny was in a foul mood. He'd spent a boring day at the bustling campaign office, endured a tongue-lashing from his estranged older brother, and narrowly avoided being implicated in a murder.
Yet, as he climbed the stairs, his steps grew lighter. The thought of seeing Laura, the memory of last night's bliss, filled his mind with sweet anticipation.
But the empty room dealt him a blow. His face darkened. Had she left again without a word?
"Laura? Laura!" Anger tinged his voice.
Mary hurried in. "Sir, Miss Laura has been working in the study all afternoon. She hasn't come out."
"The study?"
Danny pressed his lips together, rejecting Mary's company, and walked toward the study with a serious expression.
He found Laura asleep at the foot of the bookcase on the second floor, using a boo
