the Pierre Hotel was a hive of activity. Waiters polished silverware, florists ar

nausea rolling in her gut. She had to be here. Alexander

a saccharine expression that didn't reach he

said, loud enough for the nearby s

The rumors of the "affair" were al

arm aside. We don't need two commanders he

ing to a hiss. Not for long. Alexa

looked at her. Christy was just another emp

nk to dry, Ano

ng to check the wine list. She pulled out her phon

ed. Suspicious Outfl

lars a month. Appr

the transaction ID, embedded in the digital ledger, held a ghost of a different kind. She cross-referenced

The room swayed.

doors onto the terrace. The

The glowing ember of a ci

gainst the stone balustrad

s she approached. You look

. Sterling, Anona manage

ocket and pulled out a square of d

call an ambulance to

lm. His skin was rough, warm. A jolt of e

and placed it on her tongue.

ding to gamble. Have you eve

He turned to her slow

you hear

g against her ribs. Alexander

nder doesn't have the brain for medica

wered over her, blocking out

is playing with fire. Tell me th

p at him. This

ispered. I have the log

g for deceit. He found only despera

m the doorway. Mr. Sterling?

n't look awa

ely audible. My study. Bring the

ask of indifference sl

lowed the last of the chocolate. She had jus