“Mmmhmmm,” Helen pursed her lips and nodded as she made the noise. “And, how often did you say this is recurring?”

“Never less than twice a night since it started, and that was right at a week ago today. Last night was the worst yet. I can remember waking up five times in a total panic, but there may have been more. I’m not sure. That’s pretty much why I called you this morning. It just keeps getting worse…Oh, and I’m not sure if I said thanks for fitting me in by the way.”

“Of course, Rowan,” Helen replied. “That is never a problem.”

“Well, I took a chance. I wasn’t sure if you would be taking some time off after your father’s funeral or not.”

Her father’s recent passing had been another of the reasons I had endured the nightmare as long as I had.

“We all grieve in different ways, Rowan,” she said, leaving the sentence to stand on its own as an explanation. “Speaking of gratitude, I appreciate that Felicity and you came to the service. I am certain that my brother did as well.”

“It’s the least we could do…and, I’ll take your word for it about Ben. We haven’t really spoken lately.”

“Because of the investigation? I know he has been very busy.”

“That’s my guess. He hasn’t returned any of my calls.”

“I would not be too concerned. As I said, we all grieve in different ways. Delving into his work is simply Benjamin’s way.”

“I hope you’re right,” I returned. “Either way, thanks again for fitting me in.”

“Well, keep this between the two of us, but even had I taken time off, I would have managed something for you. I have learned that when you feel the need to call me, it is not to be taken lightly.”

“I’ll take that as a compliment, I think.”

“It was, in a manner of speaking.”

She didn’t embellish her reply and that wasn’t unusual, so I didn’t press the point. Since I seemed to have been moderately successful in diverting the topic from her earlier succinct insinuation, I finally relaxed a bit. Seizing the opportunity, I relit my cigar and puffed on it thoughtfully then gave the business end a quick inspection to make sure the glow was relatively even. Satisfied, I stuffed the lighter into my pocket and leaned back against the rail.