“Brandon has come across an extraordinary business opportunity, and you’re trying to ruin it out of spite.”

“The bank starts foreclosure on November eighteenth,” I said.

“Not if you sign the corporate guarantee,” Victoria said, her voice dropping to a low hiss.

“We need that signature by tomorrow morning, Avery, or you can find somewhere else to stay.”

I held my ground on the bluestone steps, adjusting the canvas strap of my duffel.

“Why are the driveway security lights off?”

The six heavy iron lampposts along the paved driveway were completely dark, leaving the front gate in deep shadow.