The midweek prayer meeting ended later than usual.

Most of the congregation had already drifted out into the humid evening, leaving only a few stragglers folding chairs and stacking hymnals. Andrew was still near the front, deep in conversation with two of the deacons about next Sunday’s sermon. Skyler had offered to help clean up the fellowship hall, mostly because standing still beside her husband made her skin feel too tight.

She was alone in the small kitchen off the hall when the door opened behind her.

Maddox stepped in and closed it with a soft click.

Skyler’s hands froze on the dish towel. Her pulse jumped so hard she...