The next course came, a small portion of foie gras for Lisa and seared sweetbreads, asparagus, quail egg and ham for Jeff. They ate in silence with Lisa taking small bites until Jeff’s fork chinked as he set it down.

“What happened was horrible,” Jeff said, “and it enrages me when I think of what that asshole did to you, to us. But we have to step back.”

“What do you mean?”

“We need to appreciate our lives, what we have,” he said. “The projects we’re each working on highlight just how fortunate we are, compared to so many others. Look at what your folks are doing in Central America, then look at where we are and how we live.”

Jeff paused, reached for his wine, gazed into it, thinking, then studied her, his eyes burning.

“Lisa, you gotta remember where I came from. How I had to fight for everything. We both know how life can take everything away from you.” He snapped his fingers. “Like that!”

“But it almost did.” Her voice nearly broke and trailed off to a whisper. “The other night in our home, Jeff, it almost did.”

He got up, moved around the table and hugged her.

“We’re going to get through this. Consider how, ever since you were nine, you’ve carried guilt over your friend’s death. Consider everything I went through after my father’s death. We’ve both survived the worst life has thrown at us, and I swear we’ll survive this, too.”

She nodded, embarrassed, urging him to get back to his chair.

She needed to collect herself. She went to the washroom. Navigating around the tables in the dim light, she felt the attention of other diners had subtly turned to her, and she was hit with a sudden wave of unease.

Is he here, watching me?

Alone in a locked stall, she sat down and took a few slow breaths.

What’s happening to me? Joy’s right. Jeff’s right. I’ve got to get a grip.

She took out her phone and checked the security system, examining the exterior and interior of the house until she was satisfied, regained her composure and returned to their table.

After dinner they went for a drive along the water.

They found an inviting spot where they got out and walked on the beach holding hands, enjoying the soothing caress of the breeze.

They got home late. Jeff checked the system and then, at Lisa’s insistence, inspected every room. As they got ready to turn in for the night, Jeff went to the bedroom window and looked down at the street. After a minute, Lisa joined him.

Two men in reflective vests were talking to an officer in a marked Miami-Dade car near the front of their house.

“What’s going on?” Lisa asked.