Claire returned well before room service arrived. Master poured himself a glass of Bruichladdich, or Bruich, as he called it, and then poured one for Claire. When Kat asked for a taste, he responded, “You won’t like it, little one.” Claire handed Kat her glass and she drank. It burned her throat going down. Master explained that it was the peat used in the making and said, “In time, you might grow to like it just like another sting you crave.” She handed the glass back to Claire, and she smiled sweetly. Did she know what he meant?
When the bell rang, Claire answered the door. An Asian woman in the standard pink and blue sarong stood behind the cart. Taking charge, Claire said, “Thank you, Sarah. Bring it in and leave it right there.” She took the folder from Sarah and handed it to Paul, w
