The silver knife felt like ice in Evelyn's hand. She backed away from Julian, her back hitting the cold brick wall of the alley. Her mind was spinning in complete terror.

"The men who tried to take me... they work for your family," Evelyn whispered, her voice trembling. "First the torn journal with your signature, and now this knife. Is someone in your family trying to destroy me?"

Julian did not answer right away. He reached out and gently took the heavy knife from her shaking fingers. He turned the metal handle under the yellow street light, his jaw tightening so hard a muscle twitched on his cheek. His dark...