“Could we step inside out of the rain?” the detective asked.

Julian hesitated for a fraction of a second, his grip tightening on the doorknob.

Then he smiled, a quick, empty gesture, and stepped back to let the detective into the foyer.

“Of course,” Julian said. “Please.”

The detective stepped onto the tile floor, leaving wet footprints on the polished stone.

The smell of damp wool and cold rain filled the warm entryway.

“Thank you,” Marcus said, shaking his umbrella slightly before placing it in the stand by the door.

He unbuttoned his coat, revealing a badge clipped to his belt and a dark sport coat underneath.

“I apologize for the intrusion,” Marcus said, looking around the bright, modern foyer.

“What is this about, Detective?” Julian asked, standing close to my side now.

He reached down and took my hand, his fingers squeezing mine so hard it pinched my skin.

It was a warning, a silent command to stay quiet and let him speak.

“It’s about your website, Mrs. Vance,” Marcus said, looking directly at me. “Your cooking blog.”

I blinked, confused. “My blog?”