Assistant Carter stole a discreet glance in the rearview mirror. Samuel reclined lightly against the leather backseat, his cold, dark eyes sweeping over the scenery outside the window before retreating into stillness. He closed his eyes, signaling rest.

The flicker of irritation he’d displayed earlier had vanished, extinguished as swiftly as it had appeared. Now, his calm was absolute, bordering on impenetrable.

“Mr. Yates, shall I move these things to Riverjoy ...