Poppy walked ahead of me up the stairs. The smoke from the torches was slightly thicker at the top. "Why did they want to take tomorrow night off?" I asked.

"They are probably using the break to verify the information you've given. It's to be expected."

"How can they check all that information in one day?"

"They can't. They will just get started on it tomorrow. The Cognomina keeps dozens of people at the ready to help with the legwork."

"Is that how you had my medical records checked?"

"Exactly."

"What happens if someone goes to the police or calls a crime stoppers tip line once he learns about my arson activities?"

"Evan," she said in a sigh. "Look around you. Do we look like individuals that would ever want the authorities involved in anything?"

"I'm not doubting you, I'm just careful that's all."

"Don't worry, your past is safe with us." She opened the door at the top of the stairs. I walked around her quickly as she closed it behind us.

"I was wondering," I said cautiously, "if we could get together later since we both have the night off. I miss you." I blurted out the last words.

Her eyes showed a genuine warmth I hadn't seen before. "Yes let's get together later. Dinner is usually out on the town on off nights so I'll have to catch up with you after that. Why don't you come up to my room? I should be in by midnight. My room is number seventeen," she said stepping closer to me. "You were wonderful down there tonight." She sprung up on her toes and kissed me. "Get some rest Evan, you look tired. I'll see you later."

"Good afternoon," Diltz said as I walked down the hall in search of breakfast.

I smiled at him. "I'd like to get a ride to Lake Zurich if there's a driver available."

"There is, are you planning to take a day cruise?" he asked. I nodded. "You'd better hurry, the last day ship leaves at 3:00 p.m. It's a quarter till two now. You can just make it if you hurry. I'll prepare a quick breakfast to take with you."

"Perfect. Tell the driver I'll be ready in five minutes."

The same driver was waiting in the car at 11:00 p.m. by the ramp when the ship pulled up next to the dock. I arrived back at the hotel by 11:45.

"How was it?" Diltz asked at the door.

"Very scenic. Is Poppy here?"

He hesitated. His eyes darted quickly and nervously as he searched to find an answer. "Yes," he said finally.

"Great. I'm supposed to go up and see her," I said stepping to the side to move around him. He shadowed my movement, purposely blocking me with his arm. We were inches apart. I could sense his discomfort at being this close.

"I don't think she should be disturbed right now," he said quickly, now unable to look at me.