Chapter 60: Rage

Stefani awoke gradually; the soft morning light filtered through the curtain. Instinctively, she reached out for the security of Jacob's presence lying beside her, but her hand pressed onto cool nothingness on his side of the bed. Frowning, she turned upright and looked around the room, peering through with the response of unease. The room was too quiet without Jacob there to fill it.

She slipped out of bed, and the chill of the wooden floor made her shiver. As she went downstairs, unease filled her more and more. The house was silent-much too quiet. Where could Jacob have gone so early in the morning without telling her?

As she entered the kitchen, she was greeted by the fresh, unmistakable aroma of just-brewed coffee; however, it did little for her brittle nerves. She found one of the maids cleaning the countertops.

"Good morning, Mrs. Stefani," the maid greeted her cordially with a courteous smile.

Stefani just as politely smiled back, though it seemed rather forced. "Good morning.