Briony barely made it through a mile before she waspletely out of breath. Seeing her struggle, James immediately slowed down and suggested they just walk instead.


    They strolled along the edge of the man-madeke, taking in the early morning calm.


    James unscrewed the cap from a bottle of spring water and handed it to Briony.


    "Thanks," she said, taking a few gulps. "Honestly, I think I''m in worse shape than those old folks I see out here."


    James grinned. "Of course! Those guys are tough as oxen. Plus, they don''t have to work anymore and get a pension on top of that. Makes you jealous, doesn''t it?"


    Briony rolled her eyes but didn''t argue.


    "Oh, by the way, I went to THE WORLDst night to pick up a friend. Guess who I ran into?"


    Briony nced at him. "Who?"


    "Lorna and Barrie."


    She frowned. "They went to the bar together?"


    "Yeah. They didn''t see me, but I definitely saw Barrie with his arm around Lorna as they went into a private lounge. The two of them looked pretty cozy-anyone would think they were a couple."


    Briony pressed her lips together, silent.


    Lorna was Stewart''s fiancée. If her character was questionable, that could have some effect on little Mario too.


    James continued, “Later, after I picked up my friend and was heading out, I ran into her again in the parking lot."


    "She saw you?"


    "She did. And..." He trailed off, remembering how she''d made a snidement about him and Joseph.


    James scowled. "Anyway, Lorna''s cheating on Stewart, and she doesn''t even seem to care. Honestly, she looks like she''s done this before. Bryn, not to be mean, but your ex-husband really knows how to pick them. First Rosita Lockwood, then Jeannie Radcliffe, now Lorna—I''m honestly impressed."


    Briony just sighed.


    Seeing her awkward expression, James quickly added, "You''re the exception, you know. You just got fooled back then, but it''s okay—your eyes are open now."


    Briony gave a dryugh. "Thanks, little brother. You''re really good at this wholeforting thing."


    James chuckled. "Anytime. I aim to please."


    She shot him a mock re. "And would you stop licking your lips all the time?"


    He blinked, confused. "Why?"


    "I''m worried you''ll end up poisoning yourself one of these days."


    James stared at her, speechless.


    ...


    They got back to Skybreeze Retreat right at seven.


    Ste and Aster were still asleep.


    In the kitchen, Marlene was making breakfast.


    Cedric rke was in the living room, brewing tea. When he saw the two of theme in together, he waved them over with a cheerful grin. "Back already? Come have a cup of tea. Mr. Dney''s blend is the


    best-nothing like it to start your day!"


    Who wouldn''t feel refreshed with cup of Goldenleaf Reserve, the kind of tea that cost a small fortune and required a special connection to even buy?


    James just snorted. "I''m heading upstairs for a shower."


    Briony, sweaty from their walk, said, "I''ll go change too."


    Cedric shook his head in mock exasperation. "You health nuts are no fun at all."


    He lifted his cup, blowing gently on the steaming tea, just as his phone began to ring on the table.


    It was Stewart.


    Cedric''s eyes narrowed. He answered at once.


    "Can youe over...?"


    Stewart''s voice was hoarse and weak-he sounded terrible.


    Cedric set his teacup down with a tter, sending tea sloshing over the edge, but didn''t bother to clean it up. Grabbing his phone, he rushed out the door.