TUESDAY
11:18 A.M. — CROFT ESTATE
SUSANNA'S POV
Susanna Croft knew her brother was hiding something.
Not a secret.
Not anything troubling.
Something considerably more entertaining.
Roman Vale-Croft had arrived for lunch carrying a box of pastries, wearing a freshly pressed shirt, and smiling at absolutely nothing.
That last part was the giveaway.
Susanna watched him arrange the pastries on the kitchen counter.
"You're in a good mood."
Roman looked up.
"Am I?"
"Yes."
"How unfortunate."
She smiled.
"Did you sleep well?"
"Very."
"Have a good weekend?"
"Excellent."
"See Elena?"
Roman paused.
Susanna laughed.
"There it is."
He sighed.
"Can we have lunch before the interrogation begins?"
"Roman, I'm your older sister. Interrogating you is practically my birthright."
"You're enjoying this."
"Immensely."
He opened the pastry box.
"Peace offering?"
Susanna inspected the selection.
Chocolate croissants.
Fruit tarts.
A cinnamon roll.
She picked up a tart.
