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you, later?”
    My heart gave a little jump. I nodded. “Please do, especially if you hear any news.”
    â€œOK.”
    We went out to the hall, passing Kris who was showing a newly-arrived party to their seating. Tony paused by the front door, giving me another long look. Finally he smiled and squeezed my upper arm, then went out.
    I stood in the open doorway, watching him stride down the path to meet the policeman at the squad car. My arm tingled slightly where he had touched it, and I absently rubbed it.
    Why, I wondered, was I so strongly attracted to him? He wasn’t at all the sort of person I ordinarily spent time with.
    He liked motorcycles and rock music. I liked china and lace and Mozart. I spent my days creating a delightful place for people enjoy a quiet cup of tea, while he devoted his to resolving some of humanity’s uglier problems. He did clean up quite nicely, though, when he cared to make the effort.
    I watched him get on his bike and leave, followed by the squad car. A moment later a sedan parked at the curb and three ladies got out.
    More customers. Time to get back to work. I closed the door and glanced into the front parlor, then into the gift shop where I found Kris looking over the reservations list.
    â€œKris, can you hold the fort a little longer? I need to go talk to Julio and Rosa.”
    â€œSure.” She gave me a somewhat doleful look. “Give Rosa a hug for me.”
    I nodded. Bracing myself, I walked back to the kitchen.
    Julio was taping a note to the door of the oven. The kitchen was clean; he'd shut down for the day. He looked up as I came in.
    â€œThe last batch of scones is in the butler's pantry.”
    I nodded. “Julio, I have some bad news.”
    He straightened, turned, and stared at me. “Abuela?”
    I nodded.
    â€œThat's what the sirens were.”
    â€œYes.”
    â€œIs she dead?”
    I swallowed the sudden tightness in my throat, and nodded.
    He stood very still, blinking. I found my voice.
    â€œI'm so sorry, Julio. They said it might be a stroke.”
    He nodded.
    â€œYou don't have to come in tomorrow.”
    â€œYes I do. You need me.”
    â€œWe can manage, if...”
    â€œI'll be here.”
    He went into action suddenly, grabbing his music player, his thermos, jacket. I watched him head for the back door like he needed to escape.
    â€œI'll be here,” he said again over his shoulder. The screen door banged behind him.
    I took a deep breath, then went upstairs and found Rosa in the hall, sitting by the front window where I had placed a couple of chairs overlooking the garden. She stood up as I approached.
    â€œI heard the sirens...”
    â€œRosa, I’m so sorry.”
    â€œShe’s dead, isn’t she?”
    I nodded. Rosa nodded, too, and raised my handkerchief—which was quite soggy by now—to her eyes. She dabbed at her face, then broke into fresh sobs. I gathered her into my arms and let her cry.
    â€œTake the rest of today off, and tomorrow, too,” I told her when the bout of tears had subsided. “Do you want me to drive you home?”
    â€œN-no, I can manage.”
    â€œWould you like me to call your father and let him know?”
    She hesitated, then nodded. “If you don’t mind.”
    â€œOf course not,” I said, though it wasn’t a call I looked forward to making. “Go on home, then. Take care of yourself.”
    â€œThank you, Ms. R.”
    I walked downstairs with her and saw her off. Kris was straightening Lily, and together we returned the pedestal with the flower urn to its normal place. I walked into the alcove and stood looking around.
    All trace of the tragedy was gone. Fresh place settings already gleamed on the table, awaiting the next customers. The fragrance of the peace roses hung in the air.
    On impulse I stepped to the window and opened it a little, letting in a warm breeze, letting out the spirit of the departed, if