JAREDI stood at the window watching her. She was tired and unwell, that much was obvious.

There was this difference about her that I'd noticed the moment I set my sights on her in that ballroom.

She had changed in these past few years. The old Hailey would never have been bold enough to arrest Mia. Or talk back at me.

Hell, she even raised a hand to my face in public. Well, honestly, I think I deserved that slap. I should never have made such an insensitive statement.

I would apologize for it ...