Isabel paced the long hallway, building up the courage to knock. Finally, she took a deep breath, raised her fist, and rapped on the study door. There was no answer, but she knew Howard was inside. Squaring her shoulders, she opened the door and stepped into the dim room.
She expected to see him sitting behind the desk, but he wasn't there. Instead, he stood to the side of the room, staring out one of the French windows. A small lamp lit the room, but the golden glow of light didn't seem to reach him. At the far end of the room, he looked shadowy and imposing. She waited a moment, but he didn't even turn to look at her.
"Listen, Howard," she finally said. "Tonight was—"
He turned around and stared at her with a glare so piercing, she felt her throat go dry. His eyes flashed o
