That night, sleep avoided Lynda yet again. it was not because of fear this time, but because her mind would not rest. Too many thoughts moved through her, Lukas quietly watching, Oliver’s gentle questions, and the strange balance she was trying to keep from breaking.

She lay close to Lukas, listening to his steady breathing. Slow, measured. He was asleep, sure, but even in sleep, he was so tensed up. like a man who never fully relaxed. She turned slightly, carefully not to wake him. For the ...