I stared at her, my blood running hot.

My father looked down, unable to meet my eyes.

I snatched my car keys off the table.

I turned and walked out of the library, the heels of my boots clicking loudly on the hardwood floor.

I ran down the grand hallway of the Cumberland Avenue estate.

The portraits of my ancestors stared down at me from the walls.

They looked like strangers.

I pushed open the heavy front door and stepped into the wet night air.

The rain hit my face, cold and sharp.

I got into my SUV and started the engine.

The headlights cut through the darkness of the long driveway.

I threw the car into reverse, spraying gravel as I backed out.

My phone was mounted on the dashboard.

I tapped the speaker button and called Daniel.

“Emily,” Daniel answered on the first ring. “Where are you?”

“I’m on my way to the harbor,” I said, steering the car onto the coastal highway. “What’s the situation?”

“Gavin is on the *Sea Star*,” Daniel said. “It’s a private charter. The engines are running.”