Chapter 12: The Ledger

Lena woke to an empty bed and a grey window.

The pillow beside her was cool.

She lay still, listening for him, and heard nothing in the whole house but the radiator.

She found her sweater on the chair and went down the stairs in her bare feet.

The study door stood open.

Damian was at the desk with his back to her, in yesterday's trousers and no shirt.

The ring lay on the blotter in front of him.

He had not moved it.

"You didn't sleep," she said.

He turned.

His eyes were red.

"I had work."

"On a Sunday night?"

"It couldn't wait."

"Is it Papou?"

He hesitated.

It was a small hesitation, but she had spent six months learning his silences.

"Come here," he said, and held out his hand.

She did not take it.

"Damian, what did he say to you on the phone?"

"I'll tell you after Monday."

"It's Monday now."

"Then I'll tell you after..."

The doorbell rang.

They both looked at the hall.

It rang again, three short pushes.

Damian was up and across the room before she could speak.

"Stay here."

"It's the middle of the morning."

"Stay here, Lena."

She followed him to the end of the corridor anyway.

He opened the front door on the chain.

A boy in a courier jacket stood on the step with a thick manila envelope and a clipboard.

"Package for Mrs. Karras," the boy said. "I need her to sign."

Damian shut the door in his face, took off the chain and opened it again.

"I'll sign for her."

"It has to be her."

"Lena," Damian said without turning. "Go upstairs."

But the boy had already seen her, and he held up the clipboard, and she took the pen out of his hand before she knew she was going to.

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