ed into a dull,

words in my hea

veni

ook th

things und

atch them. Rea

tous, but his eye

guilt etched o

to Marcus' s study

as open. An

Viv

ies, plans, casual men

ian Hayes, Chief Ar

tle. My o

miling, in an office that was unmis

s wal

What are y

aptop. "Just looking f

me. I saw the susp

y father, Mr. Harr

comfort, some sign

on the sofa, hi

understand the gravi

n? The one

rofile. No more embarr

nd, has been a great asset. She' s doing wonder

My sister, who or

I was. He didn't

tation. A

ending more ti

Viv, can you help me with this?"

a fresh stab of pain. He neve

ly dote

approached me, his

rporate gala next month. Cele

ugh almost

ntinued, oblivious. "It' s important for

U

to present a united front. Show everyone you

e a stray dog they

ed me a

were slotting together, formi

e a heavy cloak I c

dle had been snuffed out, rep

ht I was s

were