I unlocked the door to my town house, stepped inside, and shut it behind me before setting the alarm. The cool air smelled of furniture polish, floor wax, and a potpourri of apples, cloves, and cinnamon. The cleaning company I employed had been by while I was away.
I leaned against the door and rubbed my eyes with my free hand, then straightened, my attention caught by the flashing light on my answering machine. I dropped my carry-on and stabbed the play button.
“Quinton, I know you’re out of the country.” I hadn’t told her, but I wasn’t surprised Mother was aware. She did have her own way of learning things. “If I haven’t heard from you by Saturday, I’ll assume you won’t be able to make our Sunday ride. However, that isn’t why I called. I wanted to let you know that if Mark is still loo
