Page 92 of Secret Paths

There is a brief clink of cutlery against the dish.

“Nice balance,” Mark adds. “The Worcestershire sauce gives it depth.”

“Depth,” Mandy repeats.

Alexandra’s silence becomes so sharp I can almost hear it slicing through the kitchen.

I need help.

Unfortunately, the only available help is Hunter, who will enjoy this enough to be insufferable.

I find my phone in my pocket and tap his name.

He answers on the fourth ring. “Peter, unless Morton Hall is on fire, this is poor timing.”

I whisper, “I need you to call Mark.”

A pause.

“Our Mark?”

“Yes.”

“Why?”

“Because he is in Mandy’s kitchen. And Lexi is there too.”

Another pause.

A much better one, from his point of view.

“Why are you whispering about Mark being in Mandy’s kitchen?”

“Because I am in Mandy’s bedroom.”

Silence.

Then Hunter says, “I am going to treasure this moment for the rest of my life.”

“We do not have time for treasuring.”

“Oh, we do. We absolutely do.”

“Hunter.”

“You are in Mandy’s bedroom.”

“Yes.”

“While Mark is in Mandy’s kitchen.”

“Yes.”

“With Alexandra.”

“Yes.”

“Are you dressed?”