"Please do, Emma," Robert begged, his voice despairing as he lay back, his face twisted in distress and open vulnerability.
Emma's heart went out to him as she carefully aided him onto the bed; her hands were warm and reassuring. Her mind lingered on Robert's persecution-marked face as she went down the stairs.
"Jessica," Emma called her voice firm yet controlled, as she entered the living room where Jessica sat on the couch, apparently lost to her thoughts.
Jessica looked up; her eyes met Emma's, and in that second, Emma felt a flutter of unease pass through Jessica's eyes. "Why did you use Robert's perfume?" Emma asked without preamble, her voice modulated but penetrating.
Jessica's answer came out quick and defensive. "I didn't use it, Emma," she pleaded, her voice quivering just a
