After I finished my first day at work in the hotel, I rushed outside. Lily still had not been found. She had been missing two days, and by now I was frantic. I raced down the street to the edge of town, where huts and lean-tos were crowded together. No one spoke English, but when I waved Lily’s picture they understood. One person after another shook their heads. At last I gave up in despair and trudged back up the street.

When I reached the hotel I pulled open the front door and almost collided with Aidan. He stood back to let me in, but I couldn’t move. I stared at him, hardly believing what I saw. His face was sallow and unshaven, and his clothes were crumpled, as if he’d slept in them. My heart filled with pity for him.

“Oh Aidan,” I said, “I’m so sorry.”

He nodded but said nothing.

We stood staring at each other for what seemed like an eternity. As I looked at him, I forgot about all the unpleasantness that had passed between us. None of it mattered now. I put my hand on his arm and led him into the lobby and over to a small sofa, where we sat down. He turned to me, tears welling in his eyes.

“What can I do, Delia? We’ve searched everywhere.”

I nodded. “I know.”

He stood up and extended his hand to me. “Will you come and keep me company, Delia? If I’m alone I’m afraid I might go mad.”

“Of course,” I whispered.

* * *

Besides the bed and dresser, a small table and velvet chairs stood under the window in his room. I sat down and watched him as he poured whiskey into two glasses. He took off his coat and unbuttoned part of his shirt. I had to pull my eyes away from the smooth black hairs on his upper chest. I took a gulp of whiskey.

“I’ve missed you, Delia.”

“I’ve missed you too, Aidan.”

“I’m sorry for everything. For sacking you that day Lily was lost. It was wrong of me. I was determined to punish you, but it was Lily I succeeded in punishing.”

“But you more than made up for it the day you saved my life when my horse bolted. I’d say we’re even.”

He nodded.

“Oh, poor Lily,” I blurted out. “Where on earth can she be?” I wanted to tell him about my premonition, but I didn’t want to give him false hope.

“All I can think of is that bastard Sullivan. He never wanted me to bring her to Texas. And now if he finds out what’s happened, he’ll blame me for this too, as well as for Mary.”

“Maybe,” I murmured, “but he was away in Ireland when we left. He can’t know for sure that we’re here.”

“He has spies everywhere.” Aidan’s tone was bitter.