Zara

Initially I thought it was sweet that Henry and Claudine answered the door together. I could tell it was her, the way she called me “darling,” just like on the phone. But there was something strange about Henry’s smile, like someone drew it on his face. Now I can see how she was almost overenthusiastic that first moment we met. Compensating for him.

She wasn’t what I expected. I don’t know what I was thinking, but in my head when the door opened I was expecting Claudine Longet to be standing there. The young, fashionable version of herself, the one who shot Spider. So it took a second for me to see her. The Claudines shared a few traits: thin, dark hair, big doe eyes. But this Claudine was taller, less fragile beauty queen, more domineering sharpshooter.

Oh boy, was she in charge from the start. As we were all saying hellos and I was explaining who Dave was, that he wasn’t like a guest but my bodyguard, Pip leapt into action. Now Pip loves nothing more than licking shoes, and she went straight for Claudine’s. I swear, I saw literal horror on her face, but not for long because Henry jumped in. He bent right down and lifted her up. Pip went crazy licking his face and I think that’s the only time I ever heard Henry laugh. They loved each other at first sight. I’ve never even had that. It was adorable. Thank god I brought her with me, she’s always an excellent judge of character and liked Henry right away, which made me like Henry right away. They were instant besties.