pine air freshener a

plastic folder. Inside were her study guides for the DALF C1 exam-the

jeans. Her hair was pulled back in a low bun, and she wor

ike a studen

unted, glancing in the rearview mirror

red, her eyes scanning the

a pothole that sent a jolt of pain throug

rawl as they turned o

passing Le

food temple. Fielding's fav

en a

lass windows were usually tinted, but the interi

n she s

e tables near the window, but scr

ldi

sn't

brushed his chest, was Corinna. She was wearing whit

ge roommate and lifelong enabler, along with two ot

word was out of her mout

asked. "It's a no-s

t me out

he driver. It was part of the cash stack she had received from the

nter, the Alliance Française, was two blocks awa

ad to

ed forward, his face composing itself into a polite m

itanium card. She hadn't sold the jewelry yet; the rese

"I'm looking for Mr. G

cognized the name, if not the woman. "Of co

"I just want to surprise him. Is there a

than protocol. He led her to a small two-top tucked behind

o them, but she cou

g against her ribs like a trapped

d over the partition,

e Lame Duck today? Surprised she

Cruel, sha

glass. Lame Duck. So tha

t. "Don't be mean. Ariel has a hard time gettin

that cut deeper

elding. A depressed, limping millstone around you

for Fielding to slam his hand on the table. To d

tched for th

. His voice was cal

life, Archer.

t. You don't have to stay married to a woman who brings n

ng said. "It's a de

de

ot a partner.

hat hadn't b

rain from her face. Th

e hadn't tried to play hero, she'd probabl

tone softening as he evidently turned to Corinn

cutlery, the low hum of conversation-faded

her study guide. L'

ly a past that was being can

ud, cheerful c

beep-

arm on her phone. The remi

-end dining room, it so

the next table c

ding's voice was shar

r fingers shaking so badly she d

oritative footsteps co

s nowher