Now she silently thanked him.

Halfway down the staircase, voices drifted upward.

“…girl first. Hale won’t move if we have the girl.”

Grace froze.

Sophie’s nails pierced her palm.

A second voice replied, “And the waitress?”

Victor’s voice followed, smooth as liquid silver.

“Sentimental liabilities should be removed.”

Sophie’s face broke.

Grace covered her mouth softly and shook her head.

Not now.