Page 65 of Shadow

Head tilted back slightly. Eyes bright. Hair pulled back in a casual ponytail. She wore jeans and a soft blue sweater. Nothing tactical. Nothing that screamed protection officer.

She was just…normal.

And Asher couldn’t tell if it was performance or real.

“Your wife’s lovely,” Ruthie said, appearing at his elbow. Always watching. “Daphne fits right in.”

“She’s good with people.”

“How’s Roger doing? He seems to be enjoying himself.”

Asher followed her gaze. Roger sat at a table with Dean, now engaged in conversation about college basketball.

“He’s mending.”

“And your mother? Destiny’s wonderful. Renee’s already invited her to the garden club.”

“She appreciates the welcome.”

“We’re glad to have you all.” Ruthie patted his arm. “It’s nice having younger people in the community, even if it’s only for a month.”

The hockey game went to intermission. Dean switched it to college basketball—some rivalry game that had him and Craig immediately arguing about coaching decisions.

Daphne caught Asher’s eye across the room. You okay?

He nodded back.

But he wasn’t okay. Watching her laugh with Renee and Destiny, watching Roger relax with Dean, watching everyone accept their cover story without question—it was working too well.

The fake family was becoming believable.

So no, nothing was okay.

An hour later, they walked home. Overhead, thunder had started to rumble, the wind crisp, carrying a nip of rain. Asher’s breath fogged in the air.

Destiny walked ahead with Roger, her arm linked through his, a mother-son bond. Sometimes, Asher forgot they were related.

Daphne walked beside Asher. Close enough their arms almost touched.

“That went well,” she said quietly.

“We needed it to go well.”

“I know.”

They reached the house. Asher unlocked the door, security system beeping. He punched in the code.

Destiny went straight to the master bedroom. “Good night. Thank you for taking me. I actually enjoyed myself.”

“Good night, Destiny.”

Roger headed to his room but paused. “Is he—” He stopped. Started again. “Does Draven know where I am?”

Asher met his eyes. Saw real fear there.

“No. You’re safe here.”

“You’re sure?”