Page 36 (1/2)

“Grab the reins, and give her space At least this time, she’s still here You still have a chance”

My fists open, and I reach for h the scorching burn of rage Now my pain is dulled from the vodka, and all I’m left with is the helplessness

“Losing Allison is nothing like losing Mel It was out ofto stop it”

“The situations ht be more similar than you think”

Glancing up, I study his face “How so?”

“You can’t do anything now You’re going to have to let her come around in her own time”

“I don’t know if I can wait that long”

We’re interrupted by the sound of the door opening again Looking back, I see Star enter with her daughter asleep on her shoulder She does a little wave, and I stand

“I’m sorry I needed to come back,” I say softly “Were you”

She shakes her head and points to the guest roo with Cammie”

Stuart pats lass of vodka by the sink “I’ll pick you up in theGet some sleep”

The two doors close simultaneously, and I pick upto my policy of full disclosure

I drove back to Princeton tonight I’o in and talk to Nikki, see if Patrick’s found any leads on Star’s situation, see if I can find anything I’ll be ho of you every minute until then

I hit Send and wait Seconds tick past, and there’s no answer Ame apart, but I have to let her take the lead

Nikki doesn’t even look up frolass doors of the Princeton office It’s not until I speak that her white-blonde head snaps to attention