Page 98 (2/2)

(Privately, he conte there in an act of corporeal colonialism)

“Why not?” Julia was puzzled

“They aren’t ht as well be an alien to thehed “At least when I ave hi look

“She and I have our father’s eyes”

“Don’t you need to speak to your grandmother to find out about your et the autopsy report for et inforh dubious h blood pressure run in her fa especially worrisoood news, isn’t it?”

“Yes” Gabriel sounded strangely underwhelmed

“What about your father’s side?”

“Kelly told me there was some heart disease on their side”

“So you don’t want to randmother or your other relatives?”

“I have h”

“Kelly knew yourher when she worked for our father And she recalls her parents fighting, presumably over my mother and me I’d like to introduce you to Kelly She and her husband have invited o and visit our Aunt Sarah in Queens”

“I’d love tofor so to wear to dinner Rebecca packed for erie and only one dress”

Gabriel’s eyes grew heated “Clearly, she doesn’t know you very well”

“Why do you say that?”

He leaned forward, brushing her ear with his lips “Because you sleep naked”

Julia thrilled to his nearness She began playing with the few strands of his chest hair

“Did you finish your mother’s diary?”

“Yes”

“And?”

“It’s about what you’d expect As time wore on and she realized she would never have a life with rewaltogether”

Julia rested her hand over his tattoo, gently pressing into the skin

“Are you glad you caood news Professor Benjael,” she nize his name Was he a Dante specialist?”