Stanley's POV

I was sitting by the counter when Nolan called to let me know he was on the porch. He voice sounded smooth and even like he had everything under control, but there was a heaviness behind it that propelled me faster than I should have reacted. I opened the door and saw him with his bag on his shoulder. His eyes were clear, scanning, like he was already warned up, but he smiled at me briefly.

"Thanks for dropping by," I said, stepping aside to let him in.

"No problem. ...