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"You look very nice," I told her, because she did--floor-length dress, dark lips, her hair tied up in a knot

"I know," she sighed "Isn’t it awful? Let’s get this over with"

EMMA HOLMES WASN’T SPEAKING TO ME SHE WASN’T really speaking to anyone Her left hand glittered with rings, and she was using it to rub the back of her neck The other was busy with her wineglass This wouldn’t be a proble roo somewhere in Siberia

I’d been placed between Holhter of the Czech aaveEither she could sniff outfor a taller, buffer Jamie Watson, one who looked a little more like a volunteer fireman and less like a volunteer librarian Either way, I’d been left to hed over her food

Holmes--my Holmes, if she was that--wasn’t any help She’d cut up all the food on her plate and was now busily rearranging it, but I could tell from the distant look in her eyes that she was preoccupied with the conversation at the other end of the table The only conversation, actually, so prices for Picasso sketches Alistair Hol museum curator Of course he knew more about art than soy to be surprised

In fact, I couldn’tfor the threat in this place to beI could counter I’d expected a colder welco over themselves to puthoop What I’d gotten instead was some very nice food and one cryptic conversation with Holiven me before we’d arrived, and I couldn’t ford? What a horrid school," Alistair was saying "Yes, it’s been so of a disappointment, but we had no doubt that Charlotte acquitted herself well, despite the circumstances"

Charlotte’s smile was small and cold

"I’m sorry to be so quiet, Ja a rough go of it recently In and out of hospital I hope you’re enjoying your dinner"

"It’s great, thanks I’ well"

At that, Holmes’s attention snapped back to ainst her plate "You really could ask Jamie some of the standard questions It’s not a difficult script to remember How does he like school Does he have any sisters Et cetera"

Her mother flushed "Of course Did you have a nice stay in London? Lottie loves it there"