I folded the paper wrapper twice and slipped it into my apron pocket next to the pharmacy receipt.

At half past six, I went up to the master suite on the second floor with a tray of warm broth and a fresh cup of tea for Raymond.

Raymond was sitting up against two thick feather pillows, with real color in his face now that the paralytic injections had been stopped for two days.

I set the tray on the nightstand and checked the hallway before pulling the heavy bedroom door shut.

I stepped up close to the side of the bed and leaned down.