Night had settled over the city.

A gleaming black sedan rolled slowly through the villa gates.

Jeremy had drunk a little too much. His steps were unsteady as he climbed out of the car, and the driver moved quickly to catch his arm. "Mr. Hale, watch yourself."

"I'm fine," Jeremy said, unbothered.

He draped his suit jacket over his arm and walked into the entryway — but stopped cold when he bent down to change his shoes. Under the warm ...