Normally, Vance was quick on the draw, always ready with an answer no matter what Ashley threw at him. But this time? He just sat there, dead quiet. The silence dragged on so long Ashley actually thought the call had dropped.

“Hello? Vance? You still there?”

“Yeah… yeah, I’m here.”

Ashley’s brow shot up. “So what’s the deal? You got time or are you busy?”

“Do we… really need to talk right this second?” Vance asked carefully.

Ashley’s patience snapped. ...