CHAPTER 48

A loud thud echoed off the marble courtyard when Mr. Black's mansion's big oak door slammed shut. The sound of a lone individual laughing echoed through the large home like thunder in the distance.

Mr. Black sat back in a cozy recliner, his familiar face creased with laughter. He grabbed a phone and called a familiar number.

Sarah tensed up when the cabin phone rang, far away in the dim light of a crackling fire. It was an unexpected intrusion into their fragile sense of security.

With a quick glance at Olivia, who was engrossed in a book by the firelight, Sarah picked up the receiver, her voice cautious.

"Hello?"

"Sarah, it's Mr. Black," a warm voice filled the receiver. "I hope this call doesn't find you at an inconvenient hour."

Relief washed over Sarah. "Mr. Black? Is everything alright?"