Rachel stood near the foot of the grand staircase, next to a set of tall patio doors.

Her bright yellow dress caught the late afternoon light.

She reached out and touched the window glass with the back of her hand, checking the temperature of the drafty stone hall while she waited.

I stopped in front of her and snapped to attention.

Rachel smiled and reached into her small clutch purse.

She took out a flat velvet box.

“Ready for the hardware, Lieutenant?” she asked softly.