Chapter 26

We sat in the small parlor at the back of the house, listening to a Cole Porter CD and finishing our coffee.

“I had the opportunity to meet him once, you know,” Mrs. Mann murmured. “He was very charming.”

“You’ve known some very interesting people, if you don’t mind my saying so, ma’am.”

“Yes, I was quite fortunate.” She started to say something else and then looked at her son. He was sitting beside me, his legs stretched out and his head resting on the back of the loveseat. “Sweetheart, you look so tired.”

“I’ll be fine, Mother. I just need a solid night’s sleep.”

“In that case, I think you’ve had enough coffee, Quinn.” I took his cup and stood up. “Mrs. Mann, can I bring your cup to the kitchen?”

“Thank you, Mark.”