At eight in the evening, the black Rolls-Royce slowly made its way to Starry River Villa.

Mike heard movements and came out of the villa.

"Elliot, it's late. What are you doing here?" said Mike coldly. "Didn't you say you'll come by in the afternoon? It's already dark. Does your afternoon run on a different clock?"

Elliot looked up and said, "Is there any difference between me coming now and coming this afternoon?"

"Of course there is. If you had been here this afternoon, you would have been able to see Avery, but she is not here now," said Mike as he stood in the yard. He had not bothered to open the gate for Elliot. "I'm not going to welcome you in while she isn't around."

Elliot's chest constricted tightly. "Where did she go?"

"Tell me what happened this afternoon first. Why did you say that you would come, and then not show up?" asked Mike haughtily.

Elliot swallowed and said in a low voice, "Nora insisted on being discharged this afternoon. I sent her back. Her family in