A small, satisfied smile touched the corners of his mouth.

“I’ll handle everything from now on,” Daniel said, patting my arm twice before stepping back toward his scotch.

“Why don’t you go lie down before dinner?”

“I need to wash my face first,” I whispered, turning toward the hallway.

I walked into the master bathroom, closed the solid oak door behind me, and turned the heavy brass deadbolt until it snapped into place.

I stepped up to the wide mirror under the bright vanity lights.