I stopped at the stairway. I steeled myself with a deep breath before reaching for the handrail and taking the first step up. I told myself that the first step is always the most difficult, but I hadn’t found it any easier when I’d gone another six steps. At the top, I found the stairs opened onto the balcony with no door to impede my progress. I stepped onto the patio floor and stopped. Just as I’d decided to turn and run down the stairs, he spotted me. I saw him raise his eyebrows and...