“Sit down right there on that top step, sir.”

“I’m telling you my family is fine, and I’m asking you to get off my property right now,” Thomas said.

“Sit down on the step, Mr.

Miller,” Daniel said again, laying one heavy palm on the oak newel post.

Thomas looked down at Daniel’s hand resting on the dark-stained wood.

He glanced past the officer at Emily, who was still standing two steps below, her small shoes set close together.

His jaw clenched, and the tidy suburban polish slipped just far enough for his whole body to stiffen.