Leopold was late. Everyone was late. Bernadette had been there since 5:30. She was certain the ceramic dog had moved.
As Bia entered the parlor she saw Roger drop his jacket to conceal something on the floor and then retrieve it surreptitiously. Lucrezia stood there smiling.
He was sure she had arrived with Leopold. He had heard his voice echoing in the hall. Smelled his smoke through the upstairs window. She was being reckless.
They looked at one another from across the room. Roger stopped in mid-conversation and walked toward the stairs with a measured pace. Did she know where it was hidden? It didn't matter anymore.
