Bledsoe had been around once or twice. He figured out most of the story when he read about the accident to the Brynulf. I went drinking with Bledsoe one night while I told him the rest. His lovemaking matched his kissing. That had helped, but I knew the nightmares would last a long time.

Claire Grafalk looked away from me and said in a flat voice, “Niels left Paige Carrington a condo on Astor Place.”

I drew a sharp breath. Paige was the spot that still hurt, the little needle in the diaphragm every time I thought of her. “I was wondering how she’d be able to afford that. Of course, she still has those monthly assessments to keep up. They’re not cheap.”

Mrs. Grafalk still didn’t look at me. “She’s in London now with Guy Odinflute.”

“Do you mind so much?” I asked gently.

Tears sparkled briefly in her bright eyes, but she gave a twisted smile. “Do I mind? Niels has been dead to me for many years. But once—it was different. For the sake of the man I once loved, I would have liked to see her mourn.”

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