Page 98 of Bonded in Death

“You’ve built a fine life for yourself, Summerset.” Iris raised her glass. “After loss, profound loss, you built a life of strength, beauty, purpose. We all have, and that, I think, is a wonder.”

“I had a child, and a chance to make a life for her. And when I lost her,I had the boy. I don’t choose to think where or what I might be without the boy.”

“So here we are,” Marjorie said, “together, after far too long.”

“Far too long,” Ivan murmured. “I wonder… I’m grateful to the lieutenant for allowing me back in New York.”

“She’s for justice. It runs through her veins like blood. Whatever conflict she deals with, justice will always win.” Summerset shook his head. “She knows you need to be here.”

“This time. But I wonder, as I don’t wish to cause that conflict for her again, if we could meet again. Somewhere. Not in far too long.”

“I think that’s a marvelous idea. The world’s a very big place,” Marjorie pointed out. “We’ll pick a spot, gather every year or so rather than that far too long.”

So they ate, drank, talked about old times and new. It struck Summerset that the old times seemed another life, distant, then like a sheet of glass turned so the sun struck, they were yesterday.

They finished with trifle, then brandy in the parlor.

“Tell me you’re not going to feed us like this every night.” Marjorie pressed a hand to her stomach. “In my line, I have to keep my figure.”

“I’ll surprise you. I thought we’ll do a buffet for breakfast, so everyone can come and go as they please.”

“If it wasn’t for the circumstances, I’d feel I was on a lovely, indulgent holiday.”

“Behind the gates.” Legs stretched out, Harry sipped his brandy. “The old instincts say get out there, hunt the bastard down.” He held up a hand before Summerset could speak. “No worries. Leave it to your cop, and right enough. She’s a sharp one, she is. There’s a look in her eye that tells me if I were still in my old game, she’d have me nicked before I blinked.”

“Potter’s a different creature,” Cyril pointed out. “I know how you feel, Harry. It brings on an itch not having a hand in.”

“And being shielded.” Ivanna gave Summerset’s hand a pat. “Being protected when we once did the protecting. But different times.”

“We don’t cross her. She has my word.”

“She has yours,” Iris said, “so she has all of ours.” She glanced down when her ’link signaled.

“Oh, it’s Darlena, Darlena Corning.”

“Oh dear,” Marjorie said with a laugh.

“Oh dear, as some of you know. A cousin, for those who don’t, who will ring a dozen more times if I don’t answer.”

“Block video,” Summerset told her.

With a nod, Iris put her finger to her lips, and answered.

“Darlena, darling.”

“There you are. Or you’re not! This bloody ’link’s giving me nothing but trouble. The screen works half the time at best. I’d toss it, but it’s such a bother to have a new one all set up. They always lose something, don’t they?”

“Not if—”

“But, Iris, my favorite cousin, how could you come to New York and not tell me!”

Her eyes flicked to Summerset’s, held. “Why would you think I’m in New York?”

“Darling, I spoke with that handsome assistant of yours. I got it out of him—took some work. So very discreet, but he understood I was simply desperate to reach you.”

“And why is that?”

“I somehow volunteered to head one of the committees for the holiday gala at the Palace Hotel. I must have your input, Iris, and your presence, of course. I don’t know how I let myself get over my head this way, but I’ve done it again! I’m beseeching you! And since you’re right here—”

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