Esma frowned at Leonore, her expression turning grave. She toyed with the necklace around her neck, regretting her decision to dine with him. She needed a way to distance herself from him while keeping whatever he had given her.

"I need to make a call." Leonore held his phone, sweat beading on his palms. He needed Paxton; Paxton would surely have a solution!

Under the scrutiny of Esma and the waitress, he dialed Paxton's number.

Leonore glanced nervously at Esma, offering ...