Serena found Maggie in the basement bar of Tycoon’s on Superior Street, across from the casino. Stride’s partner sat alone with a Starfire ale at a candlelit table near one of the rough sandstone columns. The pub was located inside Duluth’s old City Hall, and the downstairs bar with its low ceilings had once served as the town prison. You could still see century-old names scratched into the stone from people who’d lived here among the dripping water and the rats.

Maggie held up her pint glass in a toast. ‘Well, well, Serena Dial. Of all the gin joints in all the world. How did you find me?’

Serena sat down across from her. She didn’t drink, but the bartender knew her, and he brought her a tall Diet Coke with crushed ice. ‘You weren’t at your condo, so Tycoon’s seemed like a safe bet.’

‘I thought about Black Water, but I was more in the mood for a beer tonight than a martini.’

Serena didn’t think the Starfire in front of Maggie was her first. ‘Can I tell you something? Speaking as an alcoholic with experience in such things.’

‘Go for it.’

‘You drink too much.’

‘And you think I don’t know this?’ Maggie asked.

‘No, I’m sure you do, but if you’re like me, you don’t start paying attention until your friends mention it.’

Maggie finished her beer and twirled her index finger in the air at the bartender to order another. ‘Well, when one of my friends mentions it, I’ll cut back.’

Serena nodded. ‘Slam noted.’

‘I’d hate to think I was being subtle when I’m this drunk,’ Maggie told her.

‘Too bad, because I could use a friend. I think you could use one, too.’

Maggie blew her bangs out of her eyes. ‘I don’t need anybody.’

‘Good for you, but that doesn’t work for me. Things have been weird, but it’s not all your fault. Anyway, if you want me to leave, I’ll leave.’

‘No, stay. If this old stonework crumbles, I can hide under your breasts.’

Maggie giggled. Serena, who was briefly annoyed, laughed, too. And that set off a fit of laughing that left them both breathless. When they could talk again, Maggie chuckled and leaned dangerously far back in her chair. ‘Can I just say something? It’s been a shitty couple of years for me.’

‘I know that,’ Serena said.

‘I mean, really. Shit-tee. I thought rich people were supposed to be happy. Maybe I should give it all away.’

‘So you can be poor and unhappy? I don’t think so.’

‘You’re right.’

‘The state fair starts next week,’ Serena reminded her.

‘Yeah, so? I can drink beer right here.’

Serena tapped Maggie’s phone on the table. ‘Call Troy.’

‘He deserves better than me.’

‘He likes you.’

‘Which makes him a party of one.’