“Mrs. Forentino told me about a girl who came to see me while I was gone,” Bobby went on. “A girl who went crazy when she couldn't find me.”

That was when Rose remembered the neighbor who had watched her in the hallway from behind her closed door. Tristesse had said she was a mean old goat who liked to spy on people and cause trouble …

Oh God.

“Mrs. Forentino said the girl was very pretty, with red hair and green eyes,” Bobby said in his new prosecuting attorney's voice, “in case you were thinking of telling me that it wasn't you.”

She tried to laugh. “Hey, I admit it. Guilty as charged, Your Honor. I hadn't heard from you in a couple of weeks so I came over to see you. I think I brought a very nice bottle of wine too—I don't remember.”

He wasn't buying it. “The way I heard it, you were crying …”

“I got a little upset.”

“You were hysterical. Tristesse had to come out and help you clean up some food you threw on the floor, and …”

“I didn't throw it, I dropped it,” she protested stupidly. Then she hurried on, “I brought it because I thought you'd like something to eat. That's all it was. Just dinner and a bottle of wine.”

“You were crying. You were banging on the door.”

Suddenly Rose couldn't take the third degree anymore. “All right!” she shouted. “You win! I was crying and banging on the door! I made a fool of myself out there in your stinking hallway! What the hell did you expect, Bobby? You disappeared without a word!”

“You said you were okay with that.”

“After everything I did for you? I had a right to know where you were going! I deserved a damn phone call—at least!”

“You said it didn't bother you.”

“You took off! I didn't know where you were or when you were coming back or if you were coming back. That was a rotten, mean thing to do!”

“And you lied!” He was shouting now too.

“You left me alone!”

“I'm a son of a bitch. I warned you.” Bobby stopped and closed his eyes. He was breathing hard and sweating. This was tough for him. Well, good! It wasn't exactly a walk in the park for her.

“I've never asked you for anything! I've kept my mouth shut. I did what you wanted—any way you wanted it!” She knew she shouldn't be saying all that, but it felt so good.

“I know.” He wasn't shouting anymore. His voice was soft and sad. “And I don't want you to do that. I don't want you to be someone you're not. Not for me.” Bobby wiped his face and tried to take a deep breath. “I don't want to hurt you, Rose. I don't want to hurt anyone.”