hand groped the bedside table for the glass o

hit emp

morning sun. The curtains hadn't been drawn. There was no wa

!" he c

le

covers, irritation

No fresh towels laid out. Th

ed. "She's actually takin

ent downstairs. The scene

he floor, milk pooling around the table legs. Mrs. Higgins, the elderly housekeeper who

eked, kicking his legs. "Mom

a cup of tea like a lifeline. "Make the boy s

" Easton demanded

le. "She... she's not here, sir. He

cked his phone. No t

t a hotel, waiting for you to call and apologize.

n across the room

his face. "H

His little fingers swiped expertly. A

he was in bed, wearing a silk sleep mask pushed u

nstantly. "Daddy won't give me p

y. Is Althea still acting out? That is so

he frame. "She's gone

ith sympathy. "I'm so sorry. She's clear

over?" Holt pl

the screen. "I have a spa appointment... but f

lief. "Thank you, Georgi

tried calling

have reached is

hadn't just turned it off. S

racking the screen protector. "You want to play hard

son Institute, Althea took a sip of black coffee. It was hot, strong, and e

white lab coat.

ut energized. He was tall, with the same dark eyes as Althea, but hi

guest suite?" he asked,

years," Althea said. She c

ve access to the core data." Bret sat down opposite her. "Are you sure

to work. My brain feels l

s on Do Not Disturb mode. The screen showed 15 bl

m away without

atching up to do. Dr. Fuller's heart drug data... I looked at

, wolfish grin. "That's my s