She laughed once. Tears rolled from her eyes. "We were old fogies back then. Dinner, reading in bed, ten o'clock news, early movies on weekends."

Hood was suddenly aware of the weight of his wallet inside his jacket and of the two ticket stubs inside it. She wasn't. She was staring into his eyes with love and longing. She did not intend to make this easy.

He rubbed the backs of her hands with his thumbs, then moved his hands to her shoulders. He kissed her on the cheek. The warm salt of her tears made him want to move closer, hold her, kiss her ear.

He stepped back.

"There are going to be inquiries, a lot of commissions and court dates. I would like to get you an attorney."

"Okay. Thanks."

"I'm sure someone will pick up Demain's assets when this is all cleared up. My staff has muscle in all kinds of places. I'll make sure you're involved. Until then, Matt will find things for you to do."

"My savior," she said dryly.

Hood grew annoyed. "This isn't fun for me either, Nancy. But I can't give you what you want."

"Can't you?"

"Not without taking from someone else, someone I love. I've spent most of my adult life growing up with Sharon. We're intertwined in ways that are very special to me."

"Is that all you want?" she asked. "A relationship that's special? You should be delirious. We were. Even when we fought we had passion."

"Yes," Hood said, "but that's over. Sharon and I are happy together. There's a lot to be said for stability, knowing that someone will be there--"

"For better or worse, richer or poorer, in sickness and in health," Nancy said bitterly.

"That," Hood said, "or even just showing up at the movies."

Nancy's mouth turned down. She blinked several times without looking away. "Ouch," she said. "Direct hit."

Hood was sorry to have hurt her, but at least he'd found the strength to say what needed to be said. It felt bad but it felt right.

Nancy finally funned away. "So," she said. "I guess I should have gone back to town with Colonel Ballon."

"The local police are on the way," Hood told her. "They'll see that we get a ride."

"You're still a blockhead," she said with a brave smile. "I meant he's single. It was a joke."

"Gotcha," Hood said. "Sorry."

Nancy took a deep breath. "Not as sorry as I am. About everything." She looked at him again. "Even though this didn't work out the way I wanted, it was good to see you, again. And I'm glad you're happy. I truly am."

She started to walk away, swaying as she had when he'd seen her at the hotel, her hair snapping this way, then that. Hood started after her. Without turning around, she held up her hand like a police officer stopping traffic and shook her head.