Naomi threw up one hand in frustration. “Oh, come on. It’s just a robe.”

I kept my eyes on Russell. “No, I did not.”

Landen suddenly lunged forward, reaching for the blue folder in Emilia’s hands. The deputy stepped between them instantly, catching Landen by the forearm and guiding him firmly back from the island.

“Sir, stay exactly where you are.”

Laurel cried out her son’s name. Howard started insisting to the investigators that everyone was overreacting to a simple family dispute.

Naomi tried to slip away, hurrying toward the staircase. As she moved, something small and heavy slipped from the pocket of my robe and struck the hardwood with a sharp metallic click.