Part 2
1:32 P.M. — CROFT ESTATE
By the time Lucian returned to the Croft estate, Allison had completely destroyed any remaining evidence that the breakfast table had once been intended for food.
Historical prospectuses overlapped with annual reports. Corporate structures covered two chairs. Three empty coffee cups sat beside Allison's laptop, and a bowl of fruit had been pushed so far toward the edge of the table that one apple looked prepared to escape.
Allison sat in the middle of it all with her hair twisted into a loose knot, a pen between her fingers and the intense expression Lucian had learned not to interrupt without good reason.
He stopped in the doorway.
For several seconds, she didn't notice him.
"No."
She clicked backward.
Read something again.
Made a note.
Then muttered, "That's not where you came from."
Lucian leaned against the doorframe.
"I assume you're talking to the money."
Allison jumped.
"Jesus!"
"Sorry."
"You walk too quietly."
