Chapter 5My Christmas Always
As the last two months of 2002 made their way toward the New Year, things started quieting down. Mrs. Mann had been home from the hospital for a little more than a week, and her physical therapy was coming along well, although it would still be some time before she could walk without a cane.
When I walked into Raphael’s that Friday night, the Italian restaurant was crowded, as usual. Not that it mattered. I’d called earlier to make a reservation.
This was the first time we’d been able to go to Raphael’s in more than a month. After dinner, we were going to see a movie. Quinn had a weakness for Kurosawa, and The Seven Samurai was playing at some art house.
He hadn’t arrived yet. I took a seat at our table in the alcove. The menu rested across my plate. I’d wa
