Adam, I have news."
"What?"
"I don't think we can afford to wait any longer—this thing is festering, and they're holding a press conference."
Max threw the phone down on the table with a loud thud. Adam didn't even flinch. He just shrugged, cool as ever.
"Let them hold it," he muttered. "It's not like we weren't expecting—"
"Would you say the same thing," Max cut in sharply, "if you knew Melanie's name is on the list? She's one of the speakers."
That stopped Adam cold. The muscle in his jaw twitched as he turned and scowled. He snatched the tablet off the counter and began scrolling furiously.
"She left the house right after you did," Max added, his voice low but biting. "And right now? She's at Collins' mansion. I really hope you've explained everything to her."
Adam's mouth tightened. He didn't look up from the tablet as he said, "I haven't. Not much of anything, anyway. I was going to at least clarify these pictures—but then you called. I came straight here."
