“You never called me in three years, and the first thing you do now is send a man to investigate my life.”

“I have no defense.”

“That’s new.”

I deserved the remark.

She studied me another moment before asking Lucas to stay nearby while she spoke to me in the kitchen.

Raymond remained outside.

The children were playing upstairs, and Lucas made sure they stayed comfortably occupied.

Inside, the house smelled of bread and cinnamon.