ed the wai

lean up. But she couldn't do it here, not with f

oor that led to the east wing of th

Persian carpets swallowed the

guest powder room

ker Room, she heard laughter. Male laught

p walking. But then

l i

o

w that. But her feet were rooted to the floor

e fund manager Ford had gone to prep school with. "Ma

fend her. To say something about loyalty, or t

atter of chips h

was lazy. Relaxed. "Once the trust releases he

. "I heard she got... used up

she had been pu

in the air, heavy and toxic. "Doesn't matter. Once I

erupted i

the hallway wall. She slid

ged

s can h

croscopic hope that maybe, just maybe,

r. He was a pimp, and h

ked at her

rd had given her because the diamond engagement ring had b

lled i

light.

a large Ming vase on a p

ide. It made a quiet cli

houted, "Royal Flush! R

n't go to the bathroom. She

ruined stole, let

her head was up. Her eyes were dry. They were no longer the eyes of

and nearly collided wi

Her ste

p. "What are you doing lurking in the hallways? Ge

ince she was ten. "I'm coming," she said. Her v