“Oh, yes, but not often. Really. This is only the third time in eight years. Once she broke a couple of ribs—mine, not hers. Another time she came after me with a butcher knife. I had to hide in a bathroom. Don’t go looking for anyone to blame for this. I’m the one with the black eye. Maybe God’s trying to tell me something. Certainly was quick enough about delivering the message. I thought she was going to be able to handle this. Really thought she could. I thought it would be good for her. Everything I told you is true. She has a life of her own.”

“She told me a bit about it.”

They were at her office. Ann Elizabeth waited until she had unlocked the door before answering. “It’s a real life.” She was using a tissue to cleanse the tears and mucus from her eye. “To you it may seem completely pointless, but it’s what she can handle. We’re happy that she’s able to accomplish as much as she does, which is a lot of good around here. She’s a hard worker when she has a good day.”

“You need ice on that eye. How would a gangster, an old, old gangster, know that she was going to behave like that?”

“I don’t have any idea. Let me show you our kitchen. It’s the only place where I’m going to find any ice.” She had to lock the door again. “My patients’ files. All kinds of people pass through these halls.”

“Who else has this effect on her?”

“Oh, always the current boyfriend, especially before the end of the relationship. Her parents, but they haven’t been here—and Maryellen hasn’t been home—in years. Me, if I mishandle her as I did today.”

“Her parents,” Devlin said.

Ann Elizabeth nodded, probably wondering why he was pressing the point. Her eye was going to be a beaut. She asked, “Do you have any other questions? Maybe you don’t want to see the kitchen after all.”

“How long is it going to take her to calm down?”

“She was calm when I left her.”

“I don’t need to be lied to.”

“Frank! Maryellen has a date tonight!”

He caught his mouth hanging open. And he’d just thought he was cured. After a few minutes, a part of him had believed everything Maryellen was saying. He shook his head. That was how it had been years ago: round and round. All she had ever wanted was attention and control. It never went anywhere. Completely pointless. Then: Always the current boyfriend. Devlin laughed out loud.

“I’ve been trying to get an annulment.”