"Mr. Russell," Crew said, arms crossed over his chest, expression dark and flat. "How kind of you to finally join us."

He tried a grin but it died, his familiar cockiness gone. "I'm sorry about running like that." He directed his apology to me. "I couldn't do anything and I heard someone coming so I knew you'd be okay." Randy swallowed, clearly uncomfortable facing the four people in the kitchen who glared at him with accusing eyes.

I waved off the protective ...