WE ENTERED THE building and took the elevator to the seventh floor. At Drew’s door, Violet and I moved to the side where we were not visible through the peephole, and Mandy knocked.
Thirty seconds later, someone approached the door. After a brief pause, the dead bolt scraped, and the door opened.
“Jesus, Mandy, you’re a mess,” said a male voice. “I don’t know if I want you back looking like this.”
I stepped quickly into view, putting myself between them. “Then it’s a good thing she’s not here for a reconciliation.”
His head jerked back. “Who the hell are you?”
“Reinforcements,” Violet announced as she showed herself.
The man in the doorway laughed, and it was an ugly sound. “Reinforcements? Really?” He sneered at Mandy. “What did you hope to accomplish with this little stunt?”
“I ca
