nating the dust motes dancing in the air. Iris was already dressed. She wore

heets, seeking the glass of water that was usually p

r sitting in the single armchair in the corner.

th sleep. "Where are you going dressed li

ce was steady, devoid of the soft l

uvet. "What kind of mood is this? Is this b

nded a piece of paper. "This is my resignation let

hed, a short, incredulous sound. "Resign

rmance bonus'," Iris said, watching his f

racted. The realization

ened into arrogance. "So? You think you're underpaid? Annalise brings bil

. Iris felt them puncture her chest

irts to you," she said. "And

icked up the canvas

et filled with seasons of couture. "You're taking that? Wh

ooking around the room as if she were a

ink diamond ring off her finger. It left a pale

e mahogany table. Clin

a vein pulsing in his neck. "You walk out that door, don't expe

shed through her mind-of this same man, unconscious and bleeding out as she worked frantically to save him. Th

man who was staring at her with a mixture of

aring a silk robe that cost more than Iris's entire college tuition

as bag, her eyebrows shooti

"I'm making space. I suggest you change the s

t no sound came out. The sh

nt. The butler, standing by the front door, looked at her with sad

closed behind her with a dull thud that v

ll figure on the massive driveway. He lit a cigarette,

was cold, biting, and smelled of