ale, gray stripes. Colette hadn't slept. She had spent the night on a chaise l

their king-sized bed. His breathing was deep

or the first time in seven years, she felt nothin

open. He smiled when he saw he

ead. He padded over to her, his brow furrowed with performa

orehead. She didn't flinch

he said, her vo

ping with sincerity. "Work has been

loset, her movements stiff. "

ni suit, a steel-gray shirt, a silk tie. She laid them out for him, her h

lanced at the screen. The name "Cleo" flashed for a fraction

ed, not meeting her eye. "The

late. She took a slow sip of orange

nsult on a rare case of aplastic anemia that's gone critical. It's going to be a long da

odbye. She offered her cheek,

said. The words

just a lie; it was perfectly tailored, an insult to the

d. She changed into a simple black dress, pulled he

he driver in the garage. "Follow my husband'

ise, but he was a professional.

cedes, was easy to follow. It did not head toward New York-Presbyterian. It went downtown, pulling

e got out of the car, pulling a silk scarf over the lower half of her face. S

fee she never touched.

stunning, vibrant red dress. A dress Colette had pointed out in a mag

iness that felt like a physical blow to

coffee in her cup grew cold. Her heart

o's waist. They were laughing, their heads close together.

he table and followed, her heart pounding a sick, heavy rhythm against her ribs.

aking so badly she could barely press the r

nst the car door. His mouth found hers in a kiss that was anyth

old the phone steady. To do

small, square box. Cartier. He'd been looking at their website on hi

uth. She opened it to reveal a diamond

neck, kissing him again, a de

rete floor seemed to tilt beneath her feet. The e

She lifted a hand to her face and it c

gush she couldn't stop. Her vision began to blur a

erate instinct, she hit the emerg

ang

cted. A text message immedi

on't bot

ow. The last thread of hope, of

n't just brea

fingers, clattering onto the con

ground, the last thing she saw was a tall fig