Kate took a step backwards, confusion warring with fear. Commander Hannaford’s smile was wide and welcoming—and reminded her of a snake waiting for its prey. She tried to hide her unease beneath a veneer of bravado. “Commander Hannaford, what a surprise. What are you doing here?” The smile remained in place, but the midnight-black eyes were full of menacing speculation. “I was out playing a few rounds of golf with your stepfather a little while ago. We were talking about you. He misses you, you know.” He stepped closer and his voice lowered. “I found myself in your neighborhood and thought I’d pay you a visit.” Kate’s stomach dropped. She pressed her knees tighter together to stop their trembling and vowed not to reveal her fear. Hannaford and Darryl. Nothing about that image was comforting. He lifted a hand to pat back an errant strand of graying hair. The dying sunlight glinted off an ornate gold ring on the middle finger of his right hand. Horror struck her like a physical blow.
