strapping on Carlyle's freshly reset shoulder. "Next

ent in his eyes despite the lingering pain. "

ed. "Your nephew Coleton again?

d jacket that expertly concealed his injury. "I promised my sister I'd

r mystery girl came up empty. No hospital rec

teresting." He walked out, leaving Evan shaking his head, and

-

y Justice was pacing the liv

o look up. "What's the matter, Barney? Your preci

om," Barney said, his voice tight with panic. "T

told you a girl from the Rust Belt is unreli

home, and his wife's contempt was a constant, stinging remin

air, his phone buzzed with a

aratory Academy. Hand

ords blurring. Handling her own enrollment? How dare she? The sheer au

g laugh erupting from her. "Enrollment? At Northwood? Is

ney grabbed his car keys, his face a mas

-

ethea sat calmly in a leather chair. Thanks to her hidden priori

with a practiced smile and dismissive eyes

Northwood has very high standards. And frankly, without a significant donation or a l

his gaze. "I was told you offer a p

oman with severe-looking glasses and a clipboard, Pamela D

" Dawson chimed in, her voice dripping with

s a flat, empty look, yet it made the t

r voice quiet but firm, cutti

take the

ad expected tears, or begging, or a crestfallen retreat. They had