He was in New York right now. She had to get over her anger and tell him.

And then say goodbye. For to go back to Argyros…Even if Demos were to destroy the island with his greed for diamonds…

No. It couldn’t happen. She’d have to do something.

What?

Nothing, she told herself, but there was desperation behind the word.

It had to be nothing. She’d left Argyros behind. That first dreadful year, she’d coped with homesickness, isolation, fear, and the birth of Nicky, and she’d faced it alone. She’d fought to make herself a living, knowing she was all her baby had. That which doesn’t kill us makes us stronger. The often used platitude had become her mantra.

She’d never again let herself need anyone as she’d needed Nikos. She no longer loved Nikos and she no longer called Argyros home.

Her head hurt. Thinking hurt.

She needed to sleep, but sleep wasn’t going to come easily tonight. If she filed her story now…That’d mean tomorrow was free. Saturday-Nicky had the day off school. They could go to the park…something, anything, just to get her away from here, buy her a little time.

She should take off Nikos’s jacket.

Not yet. For just a little bit longer she’d allow herself that one small comfort.

Who the hell were Oscar and Nicholas?

Husband? Son? Sons? He was going nuts not knowing.

He’d hired someone to find her. The firm he’d hired had given him the magazine she worked for and a brief summary of her career. It was hardly personal.

Why had he never thought she could be married?

She wasn’t wearing a ring.

That could mean anything. Rings weren’t compulsory. Nor was marriage; its lack didn’t necessarily mean you were without a long-term partner.

Why had she responded to him with anger?

He’d hardly expected her to fall into his arms as her long lost friend. He’d married someone else.