There was no sense putting off the inevitable. Decker called out her name. He had placed Terry’s chair to the side so he had a clear path from the barrel of his gun to Donatti’s brain. Not that he really expected a shoot-’em-up, but Decker was a Boy Scout and a cop and always tried to be prepared. Terry had curled her legs under her long dress, but her posture was erect and regal. Again, she was sleeveless, her long tanned arms adorned with several bangles. Her eyes were on Donatti’s face even though he was the one who had trouble meeting her gaze.

“You look good,” he told her.

“Thank you.”

“How do you feel?”

“Okay.”

“How’s Gabe?”

“He’s fine.”

Donatti exhaled and looked up at the ceiling. Then he focused on her face. “What can I do for you?”

“Interesting question,” she told him. “I’m still trying to figure that out.”

He scratched his cheek. “I’ll do anything.”

“Can I quote you on that?” Before he could answer, she said, “I’m not ready to come back with you.”

Donatti folded his hands in his lap. “Okay. Are you ever going to be ready?”

“Possibly…probably. Just not now.”

“Okay.” Chris glanced at Decker. “Could we get a little privacy, please?”

“Not gonna happen.” Decker held up the flowers. “He brought you these.”

Terry glanced at the lilies. “I’ll call for a vase later.” To Chris, she said, “They’re lovely. Thank you.”

Donatti fidgeted. “So…when do you think…I mean how much longer do you want to stay here?”

“In California or here in the hotel?”

“I was thinking away from me, but yeah, how much longer are you going to be here, too.”

“I don’t know.”

“A month? Two months?”

“Longer than that.” She licked her lips.

“That’s getting a little on the expensive side. I mean, not that I’m begrudging you the money…”

“It is expensive,” Terry said. “I want to rent a house. Technically you’d be renting it. I saw one that I’d like. I’m just waiting for you to write the check.”

Decker was amazed at how confidently she spoke, daring him to deny her anything.

“Where?” Donatti asked.

“Beverly Hills. Where else?”

As she started to stand, Decker said, “What can I get for you?”

“I’m a little thirsty.”

“You sit back down. What would you like?”

“Pellegrino, no ice.”

“Not a problem. What about you, Chris?”

“Same.”

“Give him a Scotch,” Terry said.

“I’m fine, Terry.”

“Did I say you weren’t?” she snapped back. “Give him a Scotch.”

Donatti threw up his hands. Decker said, “No problem just as long as both of you stay put.”

“I’m not going anywhere,” Donatti said testily. As soon as the Scotch reached his lips, he seemed to calm down. “So…tell me about this house that I’m renting.”