At Rivermarch Village, the air was strangely still, as if even the wind sensed something monumental was about to unfold.
The time had come.
Issac Monroe flicked away the remaining stub of his Double Happiness cigarette, pressing it into the dirt with the side of his boot. He drew in a long breath and stepped toward the gate of the small courtyard.
Just as he reached it, a sleek car rolled to a sudden stop in front of him.
The door swung open—
and Natalie Pierce stepped out with hurried, stumbling urgency.
She rushed directly into his path, arms spread slightly as if to physically block him.
“Where are you going?” she demanded, her breath unsteady.
Issac’s voice held only a calm, almost indifferent coolness.
“Milesridge Manor.”
Natalie’s expression collapsed instantly.
“You can’t
