Morris, the ME who'd inspired the impulse for her to arrange this shindig to help with his lingering grief over his murdered love, shared a brew with Father Lopez, who'd become his friend and counselor.

Sort of weird having a priest at a party — even one she liked and respected — but at least he wasn't wearing the getup.

Nadine Furst, bestselling author and ace reporter, chatted happily with Dr. Mira, department shrink, and Mira's adorable husband, Dennis.

It was good, she decided, to blow off steam this way, to gather together to do it, even if gathering together wasn't as natural for her as for some. It was good to watch Feeney kibitz Roarke's grill technique, and watch Trueheart show off his pretty, shy-eyed girlfriend.

Hell, she might just have another glass of Granny Peabody's wine and —

The thought winged away when she heard the bright laugh.

Mavis Freestone rushed out on silver sandals that laced past the hem of her flippy, thigh-baring lavender skirt. Her hair, perched in a crowning tail, matched the skirt. In her arms she carried baby Bella. Leonardo, beaming at his girls, followed.

“Dallas!”

“I thought you were in London,” Eve said when she was enveloped in color and scent and joy.

“We couldn't miss a party! We'll go back tomorrow. Trina stopped off to talk to Summerset.

Eve felt her skin chill. “Trina . . . ”

“Don't worry, she's here to party, not to give you a treatment. She did Bella's hair — isn't it mag?”

A half a zillion sunny curls surrounded the baby's happy face. Every single one bounced with tiny pink bows.

“Yeah, it's — ”

“Oh, everybody who counts is here! I've got to give out squeezes. Here, hold Bellamisa a minute.”

“I'll get us a drink.” Leonardo patted Eve's head with his huge hand, then glided away in his calf-baring red crops.