Chapter 55

Maverick stepped out onto the balcony and slid the glass door shut behind him. A few minutes later, he returned. "Mom, Dad. There's been a traffic accident. I need to head over and help with the scene." Heidi's grip tightened around her fork. Matthew immediately set his glass down. "That's serious. Go on. Don't let us hold you up. Work comes first." Rachel hurried off to fetch Maverick's coat. "Snow always brings more crashes. You've barely eaten. Want to take a bun for the road?" "No need, Mom." Maverick took the coat and slipped it on, buttoning it up as his eyes flicked toward Heidi. She hadn't moved. Tilting her head, Heidi met his gaze with a cool smile. "Do you really have to go? The roads are terrible in this snow. Be careful out there, Captain Cadwell." There was a sharp edge to her tone, and it grated on him. Maverick walked over and pressed a hand down on her shoulder. "It's real," he said in a low voice. "Stay here with Mom and Dad. Be good." "Fine, go."