Jennin

n, staring into a cup of coffee that had long gone cold. I hadn't slept

n't look at me as he collected his briefcase and phone from the charging station. He was

he said. It wasn't a question or a

ong. A woman who looked at me as if I were something

I asked, m

ls." He said it without a trace of irony. Then he was

heir agenda. A pro

eanor, poised and perfect in a Chanel tweed suit, a triple strand

ately, unerringly, t

ickered across her face. It was the lo

to hear. She dabbed at her nose with a silk handkerchie

face. The single word was

scanning the decor as if she were appraising property. She s

d her face and her hands," she remarked to the e

her eyes cold and dismissive. "And

ke of pain shooting up my

red," I said, the words tasting like ash. I was

Temporarily? Oh, my dear, let's not delude ourselves. The

ysical, brutal thing. It struck me with t

. It was Chase. He must have planned t

f my shoulders and the triumphant glint in his

e, silent plea in my eyes.

n time," she said, her voice turning syrupy sweet. "Clare was

ed, my voice shakin

ut me off. He mouthed two words

. Upse

choosing the path of least resistance

ted a mask of magnanimous concern. "There, there. I'm not here to chas

rusted case flashing in the light. She

Are you free to pop over? I th