Ruby drank in the creaminess of Bennett’s breasts. “So, how come that one didn’t heal?”

“Huh?”

“That scar,” Ruby said, pointing to Bennett’s chest. “I mean, all the other ones have disappeared, but that tiny one’s still there.”

Bennett looked down. “That’s a birthmark. Not a scar.”

“Oh,” Ruby said, studying the shape. “You know, it almost looks like a bat.”

“I’ve always seen it more like a bird in flight, actually. I don’t think it’s prophetic.” Bennett climbed out of bed and opened the closet. “I’m going to use the loo and then make some coffee,” she said, donning a black silk robe that ended just above her knees. “Would you like a cup?”

“That would be great. Thanks.”

Bennett pulled another robe from a hanger and laid it at the foot of the bed before she disappeared into the bathroom. When she emerged a few minutes later, Ruby was exactly where she’d left her. “I put a spare toothbrush near the sink whenever you feel like getting up.”

Ruby sprung into a sitting position, covering her nakedness with a sheet. “Oh, I’m sorry. Do you want me to leave? I didn’t even think that I might be intruding. Give me a few minutes, and I’ll get out of your—”

“Don’t be absurd,” Bennett said, heading for the door. “You’re fine. Stay in bed all morning if that’s what you like. After all, Sundays are supposed to be a day of rest.”

***

Fifteen minutes later, Bennett returned to the bedroom with a cup of coffee in one hand and a jumble of clothes, underwear, and shoes in the other. Hearing the shower running, she put the coffee on the nightstand, dropped their things onto a chair, and then left. She was halfway to the powder room to empty Xi’s litter box when a knock on the door reversed her course.

Bennett opened the door and summoned a smile. “Detective Krankowski. Detective O’Brien. This is a surprise.”

“Good morning, Miss...uh…Miss Archer,” Stan Krankowski said, having a hard time taking his eyes off of Bennett’s lack of attire. “Sorry to…um…sorry to interrupt your Sunday. We have a few questions, if you don’t mind.”

“No, not at all. Please come in,” Bennett said, standing aside to let them enter. “Please make yourself comfortable while I put on something more appropriate than a robe. “

Bennett ducked into the bedroom, somewhat thankful to hear the shower still running. She pulled on a pair of navy blue leggings in nothing flat, followed by an oversized sweatshirt to match. Stepping into a pair of slip-on Vans, Bennett glimpsed in the mirror over her bureau, ran her fingers through her hair, and returned to her unwanted guests.