Cole lunged toward me, hand outstretched. “Give me that—”
Evelyn grabbed his arm, suddenly pale. “Don’t,” she hissed. “Cole… don’t.”
He jerked away. “Mom, stay out of it.”
Grant’s voice stayed level, but it carried like steel. “Cole, step away from Hannah. Unlock the front door. Put your phone on the counter.”
Cole gave a strained laugh. “Or what?”
Grant answered like he was stating tomorrow’s weather. “Or you’ll learn why judges stop talking when my name is mentioned.”
Evelyn’s hand flew to her mouth. “Grant Mercer,” she whispered, and it sounded like old fear.
Outside, a siren rose.
Then another.
Closer.
