“Poor kids,” Golding said. “What a thing to have to go through at such a young age.”

Rina turned to him. His face was drawn, his complexion wan. His beard seemed to have grayed overnight. He had been a short man. Now he was a small man as well. He wore a black turtleneck over black pants. His feet were covered with white crew socks, as if they’d been bandaged. She said, “Did you get any sleep last night?”

“No. I don’t think I’ll ever sleep again.”

“I’m so sorry.”

“So am I.” He picked at his beard. “Brook told me you were here.”

“Is there a place where we could talk in privacy?”

“All the bedrooms are being utilized by family members. Except for the master, but Jill’s sleeping. I don’t want to disturb her.”

“Of course not. Maybe we can talk in the kitchen or in a study?”

“This house doesn’t have many interior doors. Except for the bedrooms, there are no other enclosed spaces with locks. I wanted everything out in the open. It’s the type of people my wife and I are. Open…nothing hidden. What you see is what you get. See, I wanted that…because…my family was so hidden.” He faced her. “I take it that’s why you’re here.”

“Yes.”

“What’s the verdict?”

“Mr. Golding, perhaps we could use a bathroom?”

“It’s bad, huh?”

“No, it’s complicated. How about an upstairs bathroom? I take it you have a lock on your bathrooms.”

“Of course we have locking bathrooms, we’re not perverts!”

Rina felt heat in her face. “Of course.”

Golding shook his head. “I’m sorry I snapped—”

“It’s fine, Mr. Golding—”

“No, it’s not fine! And call me Carter, damn it!”

“Of course.”

Golding stared at her, then looked away. “I don’t know what the hell is wrong with me. I can’t control my temper…I can’t…”

“Carter, I was a widow at twenty-four. It’s not the same thing as your experience, but there are similarities. Don’t apologize for your behavior. I never did.”

He regarded her. “How did your husband die?”

“Brain tumor.”

“I’m so sorry.” His face filled with self-loathing as he shook his head. “God, that was rude of me.”

“I don’t feel bad about the question. You shouldn’t, either. Can we go somewhere and talk?”

“Yes.” He nodded vigorously. “Yes, of course. Upstairs. This way.”