Chapter 152

• The massive oak doors of the Carter mansion parted smoothly under the maid Maria's practiced hand; she stepped aside with a soft curtsy.
• Howard's hand rested lightly at the small of Charlotte's back, guiding her forward as they crossed the threshold. They veered toward the sweeping grand staircase.
• Eliot's voice cut through the hush before they could ascend, deep and authoritative from the shadowed alcove where he stood beside Karla. "Howard, can we talk for a moment?"