Bruce had thick drapes that he normally opened in the morning; unfortunately, the rays simply lighted the wooden floor across the room. Bruce placed his hands on the table with his fingers interlocked and a scowl on his face when deep in concentration. The man had gotten the sensation that there was something odd in his pack and that is why he had arranged to see Ema this early in the morning. He was determined to identify the root of the quarrel that seemed to build during the last few weeks.

Across the table Ema sat, her spine straight, her gaze gleaming with curiosity and barely veiled stubbornness. She was...