tment was

e Manhattan Private Medical Center occupied the top three floors of a building where the elev

e the clothes she'd put on for the police station: jeans, sweater, prac

wasn't reading it. She was watching the elevator doors,

rived a

h designed to carry, to announce presence, to demand attention. Then Duk

elbow, guiding her with a gentleness that made Helen's stomach clench. Adelia wore sunglasses

Duke was saying. "Then

into him. Her head found his shoulder.

eption desk. Duke looked u

something harder, defensive, angry. He straightened, removing his hand from

es. He stood over her, using his height, using the

card the institute had provided. "Sta

he'd forgotten to lower. She watched him assemble his assessment: out

like what they were, "-expensive. Specialized. Are you sure yo

Helen stood. She wouldn't let him tower

asses pushed up into her hair, studying Helen with the fr

ss. "Is this...?" She let the question hang, k

. "Helen, this is Adelia Montoya. She's consulting on-she's working wi

d her hand. "I believe we've met. At

cted to be remembered. She hadn't expecte

ing territory. "Such essential work. The foundation of everything,

y his arm had shifted to accommodate Adelia's touch, the way his body angl

n the performance. She pressed closer to Duke, her voice dropping to

terson. Perhaps you've heard of him? Her?" She watched Helen's face with predatory attention. "Groundbreaking work

s head. "Adelia, darling, you don't understand. My wife's family background is-" he gestured vaguely, "-uncomplicated

ation of his assessment. She gave him nothing. She stood in her cheap clothes in

Though I understand the project is classified. Top secret." She met Adelia's eyes. "I wond

on Duke's arm. Her smile

me from the doorway. "Ms. Pat

ia, past the life they were building with her husband's

he said. "I hope the result

, feeling their eyes on her back, knowing they were discussin

paper-covered table and laughed. The s

son. They