Riven sat limply in his rotating chair, spinning listlessly, stopping at intervals to stare at nothing in particular. The office was steeped in silence except for the low, steady hum of the air conditioner. Ever since his encounter with Mrs. Thira a few days ago, his mind had been troubled, his thoughts unable to settle.

Had he gone too far?

The question gnawed at him. He had tried to be diplomatic—at least in the beginning—but Thira Calderon was simply too obstinate for a woman, too ...