"Detective, huh…"
"Yes." Detective Nolan leaned slightly, trying to peer past Leo into the house.
"If you wouldn't mind, could I come in?"
Leo shifted, blocking the doorway with his body.
"Unfortunately," he said evenly, "I don't think you're invited to today's birthday party. Are you?"
The detective kept his smile, though it looked strained now—awkward under Leo's stare.
"I'm not," he admitted.
"But this is important, so—"
"Do you have a warrant?"
"A warrant?"
The sudden question clearly threw him off. He blinked.
"No."
"Then do you have exigent circumstances that let you enter my parents' house immediately?"
The smile slipped off Detective Nolan's face.
"No," he said, more carefully now. "Not at the moment. But what I need to discuss is important—about you—which is why I'd like to—"
"I can't allow that," Leo cut in. "Legally, this house belongs to both my mom and dad. Without their consent, neither of us has the authority to let you in."
