Consequences

“Where is she?”

Marcus Langford’s voice went down the marble halls of the Langford Estate like thunder breaking through still air.

The butler froze mid step, nearly dropping the silver tray in his hand. “S-sir, if you mean Lady Bianca—”

“I said where is she?” Marcus barked again, his tone controlled but seething. He was still in his gray cashmere robe, his morning newspaper crumpled in one fist, the other clenched tight enough for his knuckles to whiten.

The ...