“If I could, I would have painted all of China pink.” She threw herself backward onto the giant bed next to Lulu and let out a luxurious sigh. She scanned the expansive room, taking pleasure in the details of its busy yet balanced clutter, now bathed in orange and gold from the last sunrays of the day. A portable crib had been placed at the side of her bed.

“Thank you, Leslie,” she said. “For everything. But mostly for being who you are.”

“It’s great having you back home.”

“It’s good to be home,” she mumbled, turned and nuzzled Lulu's neck.

“Bommm,” Lulu said.

Leslie sat behind Nola and massaged her shoulders and neck. “We need to give thanks to the Hawaiian spirits.”

“Why them, of all gods?”

“I summoned them and pleaded for your safety. They’ve obviously delivered.”

She laughed. “Do you really believe in all of these religions? I mean, deep down?”

He shrugged. “All roads lead to one place, and it ain’t Rome.” He touched the spot below his sternum. “It’s right here, and it works.”

“I’m not sure my God would agree with all your pagan practices.” Nola halted. “It’s time I resumed my Jewish studies.”

“Until then, shall we use what we have?” He placed Lulu in the crib, motioned Nola to lie on her back on the carpet, and crouched next to her. Gently, he closed her lids, and soon the air swished above her as his hands made broad swimming motions.

“I’m calling to Goddess Amakuas and God Kanaloa,” he chanted. By way of explanation he added, “She’s the guardian god of each individual, and he’s the god of healing.” He made a series of hard consonant sounds while massaging Nola's neck and shoulders. His chanting turned to a quiet, long hum. After ten minutes, his palms moved on her body in sweeping outward motions. He took each of her limbs and rattled them. “To rid you of negative energy and poisons,” he said.

From her portable crib, Lulu hummed, banging together two plastic teethers.

Nola remained lying on the carpet. The tranquility that settled over her was almost tangible, but it was more from Leslie's ministrations and caring than from the contents of his prayers. “Whatever works. Thanks,” she whispered, and opened her eyes. Leslie was again kneeling at her side, his head tilted upward, his eyes closed. A tear rolled down his cheek and glistened in his mustache. She touched his hand. “You’re incredible. What would I have done without you?”

His eyes flew open. “You’ll need a barracuda of a lawyer.”

She burst out laughing and sat up. “I’ll make this split as friendly as possible.”

“Wade won’t go away peacefully. And he controls all your money.”

“He can take almost anything he wants. He can’t take my voice.”