Bobby offered to trade back the dice and Henry was like, no way. But then Steve proudly said it was with one of the best local guides. That’s when Henry handed it over to Bobby and took back the dice. I’m not sure that was legal, but no one objected. It was amazing how much I was learning about the relationships between these people. I’d had the sense that there was some drama between Steve and Henry. This confirmed it. However, I figured it was a business deal gone wrong or something. It didn’t occur to me at that time that Claudine had had an affair with Steve. He was so gross and obvious, and Henry was so handsome and sweet.

Next, Louisa hopped up, grabbed a gift from the table, and opened this beautiful tapestry. I kept waiting for someone to explain its origin. Then, from the corner of the room, Dave of all people said, “That looks Portuguese.” He looked embarrassed after he said it, like he’d meant to think it. He nodded to me apologetically and resumed a stoic pose against the wall. No one confirmed or denied if it was Portuguese. They were getting a little better, because I had no clue who brought it.

It’s worth mentioning that Claudine had been collecting all the wrappings as soon as anyone opened a gift. But just as she was about to pick this one up, Pip grabbed it playfully with her mouth. They had a little tug-of-war, which Pip loved, Claudine not so much, and after an aggressive tug, Claudine won out. It was weird, but I cut her a break. What was I going to do, tell her to be nicer to my dog? After all, she’d pulled the night together at a moment’s notice at my request. And it really was lovely. But there was something that told me not to relax.

It might seem strange to say, but now that I have a little distance, sometimes I like to rethink the night from Claudine’s point of view.

It’s insane.

Can you imagine being her? Not knowing that you were minutes away from the chaos that came after? Thinking you’re safe from the truth, only to have it all come out like it did? It’s sad, not romantic. Not like Claudine and Spider. At least that Claudine knew exactly what she was doing the entire time. Expected the police to come. Called them herself. Knew she’d have to face up. Endure a public trial. I mean, I know she wasn’t thinking about that when she pulled the trigger killing Spider cold, but it couldn’t have been too far from her mind. She wasn’t stupid. The two Claudines were very different.

My attention was drifting; I was ready for the game to move a little faster.

“Who’s lucky number seven?” asked Claudine.