The recorder crackled softly in Lucian's hand.
Then Vivienne's voice filled Clara's bedroom.
Smooth.
Elegant.
Dangerously calm.
"Did you like her room, Lucian?"
The entire room froze.
Theo's expression darkened instantly.
Allison slowly crossed her arms.
"Oh," she muttered. "She's in her supervillain era."
Lucian stared at the recorder without blinking.
"Where is Clara?"
A soft laugh answered him.
Not mocking.
Almost intimate.
"That's your first question?"
Lucian's voice sharpened immediately.
"Yes."
Silence stretched for half a second too long.
Then Vivienne sighed softly through the speaker.
"You always did ruin the dramatic parts."
Allison watched Lucian carefully now.
His face had gone unreadable again.
Which meant he was furious.
Not loud furious.
Lucian Calloway became quieter when he was dangerous.
The recorder crackled again.
"You're collecting evidence," Vivienne said lightly. "Hairbrushes. Blankets. Toothbrushes." A pause. "DNA."
