Chapter 23

Alexandria

As I made my way toward the manor, images of the afternoon scene with Bryce were easily overshadowed by thoughts of Nox and our call. I'd stowed the phone and charger in an old storage shed beyond the tennis courts. It was seldom used since no one played tennis. The small building held rackets and balls as well as maintenance equipment. It was also supplied with electricity, so I could keep the phone charged.

I didn't want to leave it, but I feared taking it back into the house. Closing and latching the old shed, I turned toward the manor. From a distance, the windows' golden glow likened it to a Thomas Kincaid picture, an inviting image with the warm illumination contrasting the cooling Georgia evening.

It was an illusion.