“Perfect. Just let me get to my contacts. Okay. I’m ready.”

I gave him my new number. “Have you recorded anything new that I can listen to?”

“Yeah, I have. I’ll send you my latest CD—hold on.” More muttering. “I’m back.”

“Honey, you sound busy.”

“Um, can I call you back in about an hour?”

“Of course. Whenever it’s convenient. I love you, Gabriel.”

“I love you, too, Mom. I’ll come see you soon. Heal up.”

The line disconnected.

A good conversation for us. I felt that our relationship, though damaged by my actions, was slowly repairing. Part of it was he felt sorry for me. But I’d take whatever sympathy he was willing to give me. Charity begins at home.

It was half past nine. I’d been up for over two hours and could use a fresh cup of coffee. I made a pot, poured a mug for myself and another for Chris. I took them both into the bedroom. He was still asleep. I put his mug down on the nightstand, then I sat down next to him. The movement of the mattress woke him up. He grunted out a request for the time.

“Almost ten.”

He sat up and took the mug from the nightstand. Then he looked at his phone and put it back down. “Denofrio called me yesterday. I didn’t return his call on purpose. He just called me again an hour ago. That’s a very good sign. Thanks again for coming with me the other night. Badger is an ass; I know it wasn’t fun for you.”

“It wasn’t bad, actually. Nice to get out.”

“Good.” He took a sip of coffee. “Good stuff.”

I said, “I called Gabe.”

“And?”

“Nothing. It was nice hearing his voice. He sounds like you.”

“He does.” Chris took his Rolex and latched it onto his wrist. “Are you hungry?”

“I could eat.”

“Starving?”

“Not at all.”

He beckoned me forward with a crooked finger. When I slid back under the covers, he drew me into his arms. “Any requests?”

“Whatever you want, except—”

“I know, I know.” He grinned. “You’re my wife, baby.”

“Not yet.”

“Don’t get technical with me, little girl. Nothing should be off-limits between us. I can only be patient for so long.”

“You just don’t know what it’s like … being a woman.”

“No, I don’t,” he said. “But I know what it’s like to be sodomized. So don’t play the victim card on me, little girl.”

I leaned my head on his chest. “Poor Chris.” I meant it.

After we finished, he said, “Give me about fifteen minutes and I’ll get us some breakfast.”

“Thanks.” I looked at the nightstand, at his phone specifically. I couldn’t help but wonder if there was news about Sanjay. He must have followed my eyes, because he took my hand. “I’ll help you shower.”