The Bold Man

The last time Lucy checked the time; it was past ten in the evening. She had just arrived home from an exhausting out-of-town venture and was perched on the kitchen counter, sipping wine. The house was bathed in a serene stillness that she intended to savor for as long as it lasted.

Her bags lay scattered across the floor, their contents half-unpacked. She had abandoned the task midway, too tired to finish, and opted instead to indulge in her favorite wine. Tonight, unpacking could wait. The peace was a rare luxury, but Lucy had a sneaking suspicion it wouldn't last. After all, she had sent those pictures earlier, and they were bound to stir up chaos soon enough.

Her suspicion proved right when the door suddenly flew open, and Simione barged in, clutching another bottle of wine.

"Let me guess—Hawk Monsanto is in the hospital with Lawyer Erithel again," Lucy said dryly, motioning for her friend to sit beside her.