Daniel went past the girl on the third stair, keeping his shoulders wide and low so he wouldn’t crowd her against the wooden handrail.

Thomas stepped right up onto the top landing, blocking the narrow way into the upper hall with both hands resting on his belt.

“You’ve got no right to come into my house without official court papers,” Thomas said.

His voice stayed flat and measured, the smooth baritone of a man used to giving orders on a home construction site.

He adjusted his heavy leather watch strap, cinching the band snug around his wrist.

Daniel didn’t raise his voice or move his feet off the top step.