Chapter 44

Vincent dropped his phone on the table and hit the answer button. Charisse's voice sounded casual, like nothing was out of the ordinary. "Sophia? What made you suddenly think of calling me?" "I... Charisse, I—" Sophia's voice came through, strained and panicked, then abruptly cut off. Charisse's fingers curled into a fist, her breathing so shallow it was barely there. That line was meant to show this was their first contact in a while. But Sophia blew it—no one stammers like that right out the gate if it's been years since they last talked. Vincent looked laid-back as usual, but he wasn't fooling anyone. He raised one eyebrow, shooting Charisse a glance that was anything but friendly. "Charisse, I heard you're done being a lawyer?" Sophia's frustrated voice came through again. "Something huge happened to you, and you didn't even tell me?" Charisse exhaled silently. At least this gave her something to work with. She countered, "Where'd you hear that?" Sophia scoffed, "If I hadn't heard