The stone house stood on a high bluff overlooking Lake Superior.

The iron gates at the entrance were heavy, and the keys sat in my pocket.

Leo was running through the empty living room, his boots squeaking on the polished wood.

Marlene sat on a crate near the fireplace, drinking tea from a paper cup.

“It has good bones, Nora,” she said, looking up at the high ceilings.

“It has security,” I said.

The sound of a car engine echoed from the driveway.

I walked to the front window and looked out.

A sleek black sedan had stopped at the gate.

Damon got out of the driver’s seat.

He didn’t try to open the gate himself.

He stood by the intercom, waiting.

I watched him through the glass for a minute.

Then, I reached for the control panel on the wall and pressed the button to let him in.

He walked up the stone steps, carrying a small wooden toy box he had bought for Leo.

I opened the door before he could knock.

“You’re early,” I said.