From where he sat, getting his hand bandaged by a doctor friend of Audrey’s father, Harding couldn’t see the gathering, couldn’t see Kerry Anne. She had to be flesh because he didn’t believe in phantoms. He’d feel more at ease, though, when Stern got his hands on her. Not that Stern made any effort to do so. He’d been staring out that window since they came inside.
“Why don’t you get back to the party? As you can see, I’m in good hands.”
Stern turned to look at him, his gaze both assessing and probing. It was also annoyed, though only someone who knew him very well would know it. His normal expression was stone cold rock.
“I have such a good view here, I thought I’d take a minute to look for our friend. So far no sign of her.”
Was he telling the truth? Peter couldn’t tell.
Stern wasn’
