“I’m Detective Marcus,” a deep voice replied from the porch.

The man outside wore a heavy beige trench coat that was dark with water across the shoulders.

He held a black leather folder pressed tightly against his chest to protect it from the downpour.

“Sorry to disturb you so late,” the detective said, stepping slightly forward so the porch light caught his face.

He had tired eyes and a graying beard that was beaded with rain.

“Is there a problem?” Julian asked, his hand still resting firmly on the edge of the door.

“I’m looking for Clara Vance,” Detective Marcus said.

My heart gave a hard thud against my ribs.

I took a step forward, out of the shadows, before Julian could answer for me.

“I’m Clara,” I said, my voice sounding smaller than I wanted.

Julian didn’t look back at me, but I saw his shoulders tense under his cashmere sweater.

“My wife is quite busy tonight, Detective,” Julian said, his tone polite but firm. “We were just sitting down to dinner.”

“This won’t take long,” Marcus said, his eyes shifting past Julian to lock onto me.