My body reacted before my mind did.
I jerked away.
Pain flashed across my bruised face.
Victoria saw.
Really saw.
And for the first time, something like unease crossed her expression.
Then the doorbell rang.
Adrian looked toward the hallway.
Nobody moved.
It rang again.
He walked to the front entrance.
I heard the door open.
Then silence.
“Mr. Holloway?”
A man’s voice.
“Yes?”
“Adrian Holloway?”
“Yes.”
Footsteps.
Rebecca appeared first.
Behind her were two police officers.
Beside them stood my older cousin Caroline, holding my coat and overnight bag.
Adrian turned toward me.
His expression was almost fascinating.
Shock first.
Then calculation.
Then fury.
“What did you do?”
Rebecca stepped between us before he moved.
“Mr. Holloway, don’t.”
Victoria rose.
“What is the meaning of this?”
Rebecca looked at her.
“Mrs. Holloway, I suggest you call counsel.”
Adrian laughed.
A sharp, disbelieving sound.
“You called the police?”
