As he walked up the front step of Last Stand, the door flew open and Parker was there. The moment Garris freed his arms of the boy, Parker took his place, hugging Fresco hard. She clung to him. He was acutely aware of the scent of sweet lemon on her mocha skin. Something inside him stirred in response.

"Where have you been?" She pushed back, dashing tears from her smooth cheeks. "We were worried," she added, pulling herself together.

"Dodging the man," he said. He ...