By the time I got back home, the adrenaline from my confrontation with Ella had long since begun to wear off. Not completely, of course, but it had worn off enough that clarity had begun to return to my mind.

The car rolled to a smooth stop right in front of the mansion. By the time I realized that we were home, Joe had already stepped out to open my door.

“Thank you,” I said with a smile as I picked up my purse and stepped out of the car. I took a deep breath, flashed Joe a smile and began to walk towards the house.

My heels clicked softly...