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Helena snatched the dog back Clearly she wasn’t interested in the effort of actually brewing coffee "Fine," she sniffed "Coffee, then, Pierce Perla can run in the yard" She hurried toward the French doors that led to the pool and patio area "Now, no doo-doo by the water, Perla! Take it out to the back, that’s a good girl!"

"Coffee, coht up," Pierce said He walked over to the kitchen and began preparing it Helena caught hold of Sean’s ar, "Honestly…this house is impossible These men--my husband, Pierce--they’re so lost Oh, it’s dreadful Everything is at a standstill Did you knoas about to read for the part of Lady Macbeth in a new Shakespeare project? It’s going to be wonderful, fil the lines of Game of Thrones with lots of swords and sorcery Even Eddie said that hot new director thought I’d be perfect for the role!" She pouted "Of course now, God knows…"

The house phone rang and Pierce picked it up "Yes, Eddie They’re here now Yes, I’ll tell the up a moment later and turned "Mr Archer is on his way," he announced He’d barely finished speaking when the phone rang again, and again Pierce answered it As Helena looked at him expectantly, he covered theto lend her support Will you speak with her?"

Helena started to rise "Benita?"

"Yes, the ex–Mrs Archer," Pierce said politely

Helena paused, eyeing him with venom Sean wasn’t sure if her dislike was now aimed at Pierce or Benita She suddenly seemed to puff up "No! You may tell her that I’m busy with the FBI You ht!"

Pierce dutifully did as bidden, assuring the second Mrs Archer that he’d convey her feelings and support to her ex-husband Sean suspected that Pierce used the word ex–Mrs Archer on purpose, either to remind Helena that there were others who had loved Eddie and whom Eddie had loved, or that she, too, could be replaced

"Oh, that woht you tere friends" Madison smiled sweetly "I always felt it was so wonderful that you could have reood friends"

"Yes, Helena In fact, we e to Benita," Sean said

Helena waved a hand in the air "Well, yes, we’re friends! But this is an inti you and Eddie were together when you got the call fro his tone sympathetic

"Yes, yes I was sound asleep," Helena said "And then the phone rang, and… My Eddie! My poor Eddie!" She hid her face in her hands

"You’d both been here all evening?"

"Earlier, Eddie was out at so, but I was here all day Pierce can tell you that" She turned, gesturing at him He carried in a tray, then set it on the coffee table He was quick and efficient; the silver serving tray had three filled cups and saucers, ht have wanted--as well as plates of cookies and scones

"I !" she said, as if she’d just grasped the question, horrified at what it could iine that I…or Eddie! Oh, Sean! I thought you ca you of anything, Helena" Sean kept his voice calet a coht Eddie had a , but you were here And then Eddie came home What about Alistair?"

"I don’t know You’d have to ask Pierce I was out in the afternoon" She paused, realizing that she’d just said she’d been ho I was on Sunset I can give you a list of the stores," she said coldly

"Helena--"

"Hoould you like your coffee, Sean? Do you still take it black?" Pierce asked

"Yes, thanks," he said

"Alistair didn’t leave until seven-thirty last evening He was up doing homework until then," Pierce informed

"So you weren’t home until after seven-thirty?" Sean said to Helena

"Was it that late?" Helena asked Pierce "I’m sure I was hoone about an hour before you returned"

"Well, then, there you have it Our living calendar and timepiece here--Pierce--can tell you exactly where I was!" Helena said "And when," she added