Lexington Park, Maryland, Monday…

Dolores started up the music system with a recording of Rodrigo's Arenjuez Concerto and then went to the bar.

"I'm just going to get some spring water. Want something, Jay?"

"I'd like something really strong, though I'd better keep the synapses clean. Just give me what you're having."

Dolores went into automatic with the ice and spring water, watching Jay all the time with her large, expressive eyes. Finally she spoke.

"You know, I already miss him. He's not gone twenty-four hours and I miss him. It's like losing my leg all over again."

"Come again?"

"I mean, it's like I've lost a part of me. Actually, something more than a leg. We were so close, Jay. And we'd come through so much. It really hurts, way down deep inside."

"I know, amorcita, but you have to focus. You have to go on."

"No!" Her face turned ugly as it contorted into an angry mask. A glass went flying towards the wall, its death throes leaving dripping spring water sliding down the old wood to spread out among the shards on the floor. "No es justo! All my life I wanted what we had. I wanted it so bad. And then mi Dios gave it to me. So why does He take it away now?"

"You're not being punished for anything, Dolores," Jay quietly told her. "You know I don't believe in that crap that God works in mysterious ways. This is not God's work. It's not even the Devil's. It's the work of some human scum. He, she or they took out a good man in his prime. They'll pay."