Annabel stared confusedly as she pushed the heavy oak door open and a loud protest reverberated through the silent house.
The laughter abruptly stopped. It died with the sound of silverware on porcelain, leaving a silence that was much thicker and more oppressive than the one that had come before.
Annabel's throat tightened with a hot breath. As she stood motionless in the doorway, her mind attempted to understand the scene that was being presented to her.
A cup of what appeared to be herbal tea was set down in front of Victoria who was seated at the head of the polished mahogany table.
Her attention was diverted by Carson though. His head was lowered as though in silent reflection and he sat opposite his mother with his shoulders slightly bent.
On the tabletop, his left hand was
