SUNDAY
8:36 A.M. — CROFT ESTATE
Gabriel said no before Allison finished the sentence.
"No."
Allison lowered her phone slightly.
Lucian sat across from her at the breakfast table, coffee untouched.
"Gabriel—"
"No."
His voice came through the speaker sharper this time.
"I heard you the first time," Allison said.
"Good."
"Her attorney hasn't delivered anything. He contacted me because counsel already knows about the request."
"I don't care."
Gabriel continued, "Vivienne doesn't get to reach into Clara's life whenever she decides she has something to say."
"I understand."
"Do you?"
"Yes."
"Because my daughter finally slept through the night twice this week."
That silenced Allison.
Gabriel's voice lowered.
"She went to school Friday. She ate lunch with another girl. She came home complaining about homework."
A short breath.
"Do you know how happy I was to hear her complain about homework?"
Allison did.
