As the elevator descended, Jennifer thought over the conversation she’d had with the newly hired nurse. She was touched the woman was still so emotional about Granny’s passing, since she probably had spent only hours over the course of several days in Granny’s presence. Of course, the most interesting part of the conversation was about Granny’s reputed cyanosis. Closing her eyes for a second, Jennifer transported herself back to physiology class and tried to scientifically think what kind of heart attack might cause generalized cyanosis. Unfortunately, she couldn’t think of any. The only thing that came to mind was possible aspiration and choking on food. To get generalized cyanosis, Granny’s heart would have had to have been pumping fine; it would have had to be her lungs that weren’t doing their part.

Jennifer opened her eyes. Such thinking raised the issue of smothering. Someone could have smothered her grandmother and produced generalized cyanosis, but as soon as the idea occurred to her, Jennifer actively swept it from her mind. She couldn’t believe how paranoid she was becoming. She felt embarrassed. She knew, just as she knew where her next breath was coming from, that no one had smothered Granny.

The elevator landed at the lobby and most everyone got out, including Jennifer, who made it a point to lock eyes for a moment with the guard, who was holding the doors ajar. “Why, thank you,” Jennifer said brightly. The guard acted surprised to be addressed but didn’t return the nicety.

Wasting no time, Jennifer headed to the marble front desk, rounded it, and walked to Kashmira Varini’s open door. Jennifer rapped on the jamb. Kashmira was at her desk, filling in a form. “Come in, please,” she said when she looked up in response to Jennifer’s knock. She stood and went through her usual greeting, which Jennifer merely acknowledged with a slight bowing of her head. Kashmira then motioned to a seat and Jennifer dutifully sat. Jennifer looked at Kashmira.

“Thank you for coming back,” Kashmira said. “I hope you had a refreshing nap.”

“I didn’t sleep a wink.”

“Oh!” Kashmira voiced, apparently expecting a more positive reaction to what she meant more as a rhetorical question. She was definitely hoping to begin the discussion on a more favorable note then it had ended that morning in the basement. “Did you get something to eat? I could order you a small sandwich or a salad.”

“I had my lunch, thank you.”

“Did you see your consular officer at your embassy?”

“Nope,” Jennifer said and then added, “Mrs. Varini—”

“Please call me Kashmira.”

“Okay, Kashmira. I think we should clear the air. This morning I specifically asked you about Mr. Benfatti. You lied to me. You said you didn’t know anything about a Mr. Benfatti, and then I learn you are his case manager. What gives?”