The frantic energy of the courthouse felt hours, even days, away. Back in the penthouse, the atmosphere was thick, but it was the dense, protective quiet of the high-rise home. Alexander hadn't gone back to his office. He had remained, pacing the living room for nearly an hour, taking short, terse calls from Graham, before finally conceding to the need for a brief, normal dinner.

He walked into the informal dining area—a brightly lit corner overlooking the city—where Clara was already ...