“That sounds like advice for someone who has already been told the truth.”

Sam did not answer.

At 10:10, I saw Claire coming from the rear hallway with her bouquet in both hands.

For one second, I looked for the white dress I had expected.

Instead, she wore an oversized black suit.

The jacket hung loosely from her shoulders, and the trousers had been turned up so she could walk.

One sleeve shifted to reveal a narrow strip of pale cloth inside the cuff.

She saw me watching.