"I thought these might come in handy, Solomon, when you and Rose are rustling up some dinner for mom here. When are you moving out of here? "
"Sit down, Bernard, over here by the window," Solomon instructed, suddenly serious. "Something’s happened."
"What is it?" Tatti asked as he sat down.
"What do you mean? What haven't you told me?" Jesse said, sitting up in her bed, her eyes wide open and worried. Solomon could see that the whites of her eyes were still red from the birthing effort.
"I have bad news," Solomon said, turning to her now.
"It's Utica, isn't it?" Jesse said.
"Yes, Utica killed himself," Solomon said evenly.
"Oh no!" Jesse cried out. "Oh no!" She gathered Rose to her chest and rocked her gently. "Oh no," Jesse groaned. She stared straight ahead. Tears rolled down her
