They returned to the foyer separately. Louisa headed for the lobby while Conor helped the caterer load the truck parked in the alley before walking down to Rittenhouse Square. Louisa must have been waylaid along the way, because he arrived at her apartment right behind the threesome.

In the kitchen, Louisa gave Damian and Mark each a quick hug. “Thanks for the escort home.”

“Anytime.”

Conor took off his jacket and draped it over the back of an island stool. “Is it normal for Xavier to get that drunk?” Conor steered her across the floor.

“No.” Louisa shook her head. “That’s the first time I’ve ever seen him act like anything less than a gentleman.”

“Same here,” Damian said. “Not that we’re besties or anything, but I’ve run into him at other functions. His behavior is usually professional.”

Conor snorted. “Alcohol turns some people into asses.” Of course, sometimes booze simply lowered a man’s ability to hide his true nature.

“It was appalling the way people were discussing the murders.” Louisa’s mouth tightened with disgust. “It was almost as if they found gossiping about the case exciting.”

“People suck, honey.” Mark rubbed her arm.

“You know what’s really aggravating and pathetic?” Damian’s eyes shifted to angry. “I reported a teen missing the same day as Zoe Finch disappeared. She was one of the kids in my after-school program. She didn’t get a clip on the news. No one cares what happened to her.”

The sudden burst of temper surprised Conor. “Louisa mentioned that you represent disadvantaged kids.”

Mark wrapped an arm around Damian’s shoulder. “He’s trying to open a supervised after-school program for high schoolers in the neighborhood where he grew up. Some of these kids don’t have a safe place to wait until their parents get home.”

“That’s great. Where did you grow up?” Conor asked.

“West Philly.” Damian rattled off a crossroad.

Conor whistled. “Rough area.”

“No kidding.” Damian snorted. “Try being a geeky, undersized teen in that neighborhood fifteen years ago. Every day, walking home from school was like running a gauntlet. Sometimes I’m surprised I made it out alive.”

“Well, I’m glad you did.” Mark smiled.

“Time for us to go home.” Damian gave Louisa a peck on the cheek. “You get off those feet and get some rest.”

“Thanks again.” Louisa showed them out and then turned to Conor. “I’m going to change. Once I sit down, I might not get up again.” She limped down the hall.

The dog didn’t follow her mistress back to the bedroom. Conor looked down at the pit bull. Big brown eyes stared up at him expectantly.

“I’ll walk Kirra.” He took her downstairs for a quick turn around the park. Returning, he checked the fridge. Nothing had appeared while they were gone.

“Did you eat anything tonight?” Conor filled two plastic bags with ice.

“No.”