Evan’s intention was to comfort her. He wouldn’t come on with questions. If eventually she felt like talking, he’d shut up and listen. At this time of day he figured she’d be heading off to work. The casino was likely to be busy on a Sunday night.
On his knock, he heard her muffled cry beckoning him to come in. He found her curled up on her bed on top of the covers, clad in a faded navy sweatsuit. She had a window air conditioner turned up max, and she wore an oversize pair of winter wool socks to keep her feet warm.
He was startled at first because this prostrate form so little resembled the flashy showgirl who had pulled him out of the diner. For a fleeting moment, he thought this might be Melissa, whom he’d never seen. She wore no makeup, and her complexion was pale, even wan as if h
