"Coffee and croissant."

"Right away," he said, exiting to the kitchen. I still hadn't turned around.

"I have to go," Samas said. "I have an appointment across town."

"I'll join you," the other women chimed in at the same time. In a matter of seconds, I was alone with her. She walked around the table and sat in the chair opposite mine.

She stuffed a cigarette into the silver tipped holder. "Why didn't you stay last night?" she asked nonchalantly.

"I didn't feel li-- I ah-- It wasn't what I was expecting," I said averting my eyes to the basket of rolls.

"They weren't what I was expecting when I met them yesterday but it doesn't mean you can't enjoy yourself. You should have joined us."

"Well it ah, just wasn't what I was expecting."

"And just what were you expecting?"

"It doesn't matter now."

"Then why the long face love? Don't tell me your feelings are h--."

"Stop it!" I interrupted angrily. "You can keep your condescending attitude alright! Here's the deal. I'm very grateful for what you've done for me. I don't know if I can ever repay that debt, but I can't do this with you any longer. I've asked for a new advocate."

She showed no reaction. "I see," she said coolly. "May I ask who is to be your new advocate?"

I lit a cigarette and drew in deeply. "Samas."

"They appointed you Samas?" she asked, astonished.

"No. I chose him."

She stood up and leaned over the table. "You be careful with him," she said.

I looked up at her, thinking of Henry. "You know that's funny, I had the same warning about you."

I didn't turn my head to follow her as she walked around the table to the door. "I'll see you after the Ascension, if you make it," she said behind me, sliding the door closed.

Diltz came in seconds after she had left. "Where is she?" he asked holding a tray.

"She's gone."

He raised his eyebrows and sighed. "I heard about what happened," he said, setting the tray down. "How are you, sir?"

"I'm getting better," I said, still staring at her empty chair.

Samas walked into Diltz's side dining room carrying two full plates of food. A lifeless lobster claw hung over the edge of the right plate and swayed with each step he took. "I thought I'd join you," he said.

"It's always a pleasure sir," Diltz replied.

I was genuinely glad to see him. His mere presence was becoming a comfort to me. I smiled broadly at him. "It's good to see you."

"Did you get things straight with her?"

"Yes, I did. I think she left."

"She said she would leave for St. Gobain today," Diltz said.

"How did she act?" I asked.

"Normal. Collected."

"Did she say anything?"