“What about the other Russian girls?”Zachary wanted to know.
Diana glanced at him and hid a wince.He still looked pretty colorful, but he was sitting up and in pretty good spirits, so he was obviously improving.
“I’m not sure what will happen to them,” Diana said.“From what I understand, they’re also here semi-legally, so they can’t be deported.Although someone could make a case of them working illegally, I suppose.Although anyone who tried would likely be crucified in the media.”
We all nodded.
“So they may be allowed to stay.If they want to.I think at least one of them does.”
Zachary looked cheered.I guess he assumed, as I did, that the one who wanted to stay might be Tatiana.
“Happy endings all around,” I said.
Diana nodded.She glanced around the kitchen.“I didn’t think I’d see you back here.When you moved into the penthouse, I thought that was it.”
“So did I.But this is temporary.”Until Rachel got back on her feet again and could move home, and until we found Zachary somewhere else to live.
After a second I added, “The dog seems to like it.”
Edwina opened an eye, slapped her stubby tail against the floor a couple of times, and went back to sleep.
“So I see.”Diana sounded amused.“You’re keeping her?”
I was.She was good company.I liked having her around.And giving her a happy home—while Araminta, who had wanted to give Edwina to the pound, spent the rest of her days in prison—seemed like poetic justice.
“Besides,” I added, “David never would allow me to have a dog.He was always afraid it would scratch his floors and dig holes in his lawn.She’s better company than David ever was.And I cheer every time she pees on the grass.”
“Good for you,” Diana said.“So you’re continuing the business?”
Rachel and Zachary both looked at me, as if they were concerned about my answer.I had no idea why they would be.
“Of course I’m continuing the business.Just because Steven wasn’t guilty of cheating, doesn’t mean there isn’t some other married bastard out there right now, running around behind his wife’s back with some girl half his age.”
Diana looked amused.“I’m sure there is.”
“We’re planning to have an open house next week.I’m inviting all the wives of David’s old clients.”There were plenty of trophy wives among them.Wives who were now hitting thirty-five and forty, whose husbands were probably looking to replace them with even younger models.“If you know anyone who might qualify, feel free to send them our way.”
I gave her the day and time.
“I’ll be sure to do that,” Diana promised.She pushed back her chair and got to her feet.“I should be getting home.”
I got up, too.“I’ll walk you out.”
We headed down the hallway in silence.At the door, she gave me a hug.“Thanks for everything, Gina.”
“No problem,” I said, squeezing back.“I’m glad it all worked out.”She hadn’t lost a husband, she had gained a daughter.
Although until I knew a little more about how she felt, it was probably best not to say that out loud.
So I watched her get into her car and maneuver slowly down the driveway, and when she reached the bottom and disappeared down the road, I shut and locked the door and went back to the kitchen.
Zachary and Rachel were still at the table.Edwina looked up when I came in, decided I was no threat, and closed her eyes again.I sat back down.
A few seconds ticked by.
“You know,” I said, “I don’t think we did too badly for our first official case.”
They both stared at me.
