of the hallway pressing in on him. Finally, t

tened, his

austion. "Mr. Stafford, we did everything we could. We saved the mother.

e knot of tension in his gut loosened sl

room and nursing c

um of money. They called it her 'funeral expenses.' And they instructed us, if

air around him seemed to

VIP wing, his back ramrod stra

ed through the floor-to-ceiling windows, illuminating the dust mo

in protest. On the bedside table, she saw

had happened, mentioning the stranger w

ed the phone and dialed the number of her most trus

ou're alive! Jagger Patel announced to the

cent-shaped marks. She remained unnerving

name, using a pre-signed authorization. Caroline Dona

ine, her eyes devoid of tears. There was only a vast, froz

n obituary. Photos of Jagger and Caroline at her "funeral,"

yes. She felt a jolt of recognition, a memory from a distant, rainy night she had

the Stafford Group, Euan's assistant,

you asked us to monitor. H

gning a document, paused. "Don

hat falling chandelier at the charity gala five years ago. But... ac

walked to the window, star

searching for for five years. She ha

w?" he demanded,

here's a problem. The hospital just reported that Ms. Don

hot through him. He knew Jagg

lain, non-descript outfit. She wrapped her two sleepi

sappear. Completely. Until she was strong e

ngagement ring lay. A diamond that had once sym

flicker of emotion, she to

n, she slipped out t

the alley. Her loyal family

o?" he asked,

ful faces of her children. Her

e Jagger Patel wi

ver of taillights, vanishi

room. The only trace of her was the diamond

lights, it threw off a cold, brilliant fire