Serena Harper felt a mix of confusion and foreboding. Whatever this was, it didn’t seem like a simple matter. If it were just business, Owen Lancaster’s mother wouldn’t have pushed herself to stay up late and speak with her now.

Her intuition proved correct. Before explaining further, Owen's mother took Serena's hands in hers, her expression laden with guilt. "You’re such a good child. I’ve always believed I’m a good judge of character, but I’ve let you suffer too ...