Morgan laughed. Some things never changed. Montes husband Ramon was a professor of Spanish Literature at American University, but was more in tune with what would keep the two of them healthy than Monte was, despite Monte being a doctor. Id love a cup.

Monte led Morgan through the living and dining room to the kitchen. Morgan settled himself on a stool at the marble-topped breakfast bar. Although all the dishes were done, the aromas of the nights dinner hung in the air. It was a homey smell, nothing like the stale air in his apartment.

Ramon poked his head in, dark brown eyes bright behind the reading glasses perched on the tip of his nose and one finger holding his place in a book. His hairline had receded more than Montes had, but he still looked strong and vital. Who was at the door? Then he spotted Morgan at the counter. Morgan Stark? What a delight! What brings you here to us tonight?

He hasnt said yet, Ramon, Monte said. Im giving him coffee first.

Yes, yes. I see. Perhaps a cookie as well? He opened a cupboard and moved several boxes around before pulling out some shortbread cookies.

Thanks. Morgans stomach rumbled. A reminder that the day had been so action-packed that he hadnt really eaten. Hed been that wrapped up in chasing down Don Fugate. And for what?

Ramon laid the cookies out on a plate and set them on the counter. Ill let you two catch up. And with a wave left them on their own.

He thinks I dont know where the cookies are either. Monte set a mug down in front of Morgan and then a pitcher of cream and a sugar bowl on the counter between them.

The tenderness between the two men nearly made Morgan weep. How many little things like this had Ashely done for him? He knew the answer to how many hed done for her. Pretty close to zero. He poured some cream into his coffee and watched as convection made the two fluids swirl together.

Now, whats going on that youre looking to spend part of your evening with two old men? Monte took a sip of his coffee and waited.

Hed always been like this. Patient. Calm. Truly listening, not just waiting for his turn to talk. Morgan couldnt say that about very many attending physicians that he knew. Hell, he wasnt sure he could say it about himself. He appreciated it in Monte. Im not really sure, he answered.

Ah. How about filling me in on whats been happening over the past few days?

Morgan rolled his shoulders, trying to figure out where to begin. One of my residents was murdered.

Montes eyebrows shot up. The young woman whos been on the news? She was your student?