“This morning, maybe eight. We had some business issues—we run a business, a shipment was held up in Thailand. While she was on the phone she said she was going over to Fellinger’s. But nothing about the divorce, she wanted to make sure I knew that.”

“Did she tell you the reason for her meeting with Mr. Fellinger?”

“She wanted to divvy up her jewelry for the girls. I told her that was morbid, she was young, healthy.”

Richard Corey sucked in air. “What the fuck did I know? Oh, God.” He began to sob, caught himself. “So what exactly the hell happened—” Panic tightened his face. “Oh, no, I need to tell the girls soon.”

“Sir, if we could—”

“How do I do it? You’re the expert. How do you tell your kids something like that?”

“After we talk a bit, we can help you with that.” Milo’s eyes drifted to me. Your mission, should you choose to accept it.

Richard Corey rocked horizontally. “This is vile.”

I said, “So Mrs. Corey told you this morning she was going to be meeting with Mr. Fellinger.”

Nod.

“She didn’t want you to worry—”

“We were divorced three years ago but went back for a few negotiations. She didn’t want me to think it was more of the same.”

“Sounds like you two remained friendly.”

“Friendly?” said Corey. “Far as I’m concerned we broke up legally but not spiritually—oh, man, I need a drink.”

Hurrying back to the kitchen he removed a half-full bottle of Bombay Sapphire from a cupboard, poured a couple of fingers into a juice glass, swigged half at the counter. Pouring enough gin to refill and then some, he plopped back down on the couch. Liquid splashed on one knee. He wet a finger with the gin and licked.

Milo said, “You and Mrs. Corey—”

“Never Mrs., Ms., Ursula was all about independence. She’s bright, capable, a great mom—what the hell am I going to tell the girls?”

“It’s never easy but we can guide you, if you’d like.”

“I would,” said Corey, slumping and covering his face with his hands. “I am lost.”

“Soon enough, sir, but I do need to ask questions.”

Corey looked up. “Sure, yeah, I get it, this is business for you. Fine. What can I tell you?”

“You and Ms. Corey have been divorced for three years but you don’t feel you broke up spiritually.”

“I’m speaking metaphorically. From here.” Corey patted the polo player logo on his shirt. “There was a special bond between us. I never stopped loving Ursula and I believe she never stopped loving me. It’s been that way since we met.”

“Where’d you meet?”