Chapter 15: The Jeweler

Cormick drove me to the Hadfield house on Wednesday morning and stopped at the foot of the drive.

"I'll wait here," he said.

"You can come in."

"You hold the pen." He nodded at the front door. "I'm only the car."

I got out and walked up the gravel alone.

Davis's car was gone. Russell's was gone. The housekeeper let me in without a word and went back to the kitchen.

The great room was bright and cold.

The piano stood where it always had, with the lid down.

"Eden!"

Colette came down the stairs in cream cashmere with her arms already open.

She held me for a long moment, and she smelled like the lavender soap she has used since she was fourteen.

"I wanted to call you," she said into my hair. "I didn't know if you'd pick up. I've missed you so much."

"I came for something."

"Of course you did. Sit. I'll have tea brought."

"I don't want tea."

"Then just sit."

I sat on the edge of the sofa, and she sat opposite with her knees together and her hands in her lap.

Her left hand was bare.

I looked at it, and she watched me look.

"You're not wearing the ring," I said.

"Which ring?"

"My mother's."

"Oh." Colette's eyes filled instantly. "Oh, Eden. I took it to the jeweler."

"Why?"

"The setting was loose, and I was terrified of losing the stone. I meant to tell you."

"Where is it now?"

"Still with him. I'll bring it Friday. I promise, I'll put it in your hand myself."

I said nothing.

She leaned forward and took my fingers.

"I know I've hurt you," she said. "That night at the dinner, I was so frightened. Dad scared me. I let you take it, and I'm ashamed."

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