Chapter 107: Max

Friday. Bluhm Family Home, Malibu, CA.

MAX DIDN'T THINK HE'D even gotten a word out before Lumen had whirled around and left him standing on the beach alone.

Unfortunately, she was still looking at him like he'd just set her blankie on fire.

Did she still have that thing?

He shut the door to the rental and lifted a hand, hoping like hell it translated as I-come-in-peace.

Lumen didn't return the gesture. She stood on the brick walkway leading up to the extravagant Malibu house like a sculpture. The property backed up to the golf course with the water a short walk away. He'd noted five cameras while he was sitting in the car, working up the nerve to go to the door.

What kind of people did she work for?

Max straightened his shoulders and headed for Lumen. It was an awkward walk of silence, but it wasn't like he'd expected a pleasant reception. He slowed his pace as he closed in on the last five feet.

"Hi," he said, for lack of a better way to break the ice.