Fred was nearly driven to the edge of fury by Liam’s relentless pestering. That man had no sense of propriety, no recognition of boundaries. Fred had spent the last several days clinging to one simple truth that gave him peace: his daughter was safe and, to all appearances, happy in her marriage. If Linsy was cared for, then nothing else in this wretched world could shake him. That alone was enough.

He glanced at Michael Helwart impeccably dressed, standing tall, carrying himself with that ...