Chapter 11: Riley, Mark

RILEY JOGGED DOWN THE STAIRS.

Melody and Grant had retreated to opposite ends of the house, which meant their nightly sparring for who was really in control was over. Riley knew what he was about to do was over the line. Grant wasn't going to forgive him for this easily, if ever. But it was the right thing to do.

"Hey, Melody?" He leaned against the kitchen counter where she stood going over something on her tablet.

"Hm?"

"Can I speak to you? Upstairs?" He kept his voice low.

Melody didn't say anything but her body grew still and her gaze slowly slid toward him.

"It's about Erin," he said even softer.

Melody jerked her head once.

Here went nothing.

He turned and led the way back up the stairs, sweat breaking out under his arms and along his spine. Before Melody, when the team was divided, he and Grant weighed in with voting. Now that Melody was in the picture, there were three of them in charge. If Riley got her on his side, Grant would be out-voted. He would see this