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around like this.”
    “Not my place to disagree, but the moment you learned of the uniqueness of these antique pieces, it became your duty to safeguard them for all time. One never truly owns antiques. One simply caretakes them for the next generation. You may not see it that way, but nevertheless you’re now their custodian and protector; as when you save someone and then become responsible for them for the rest of their life.”
    Towson continued to fill the irreplaceable cup with hot coffee. Ray reluctantly accepted the cup and saucer. He didn't need this extra anxiety on top of his nervousness from this morning’s episode with Loraine. He realized this man was sharp and would soon get past all these social niceties and demand some answers. Why did Tammy direct him here anyway?
    “Excellent. Now down to your business for being here. You must have some influence somewhere, if Meg Emerson invited you to her party. That was a high-powered group. Tammy was there. The tall, let’s call her healthy looking, young woman. Did you meet her? You were talking with Loraine, right?”
    Then Ray understood—they were all at Meg’s party. He began to feel more at ease. Now, he could place this man who looked like a dignitary and had moved easily about the party.
    Ray also remembered being introduced to an attractive woman his own age. Her degree of beauty was instantly intimidating. That must have been Tammy. How could he have forgotten? He could picture her now, a tall brunette with squared shoulders and high cheekbones who was by far the best-looking woman in the room, if not the state.
    So, that’s who he was looking for. That woman was raped? When he put a face to the name, the rape took on a chilling new significance. Strange Loraine didn’t mention Tammy was at the party. And she referred to Tammy as her best friend, yet he didn’t recall them talking. Plus, Loraine must be twenty years older.
    “You might not remember me as you were fully occupied checking out Loraine, who appeared rather wild, by the way. She indeed has kept herself together. Not bad for seventy.”
    “Wha...Loraine, seventy?” Ray tightened his grip on the antique cup and Towson noticed his astonishment.
    “In that neighborhood someplace. Yes, must give her credit. Always worked out, took care of her body. So, why do I have the honor of you at my doorstep?”
    Ray didn’t have a ready answer. He was still working on the image of Loraine squirming naked on the motel bed teasing him at the age of seventy.
    Being evasive didn’t seem to be a good tactic. He had to get things moving and was running out of time. With all his casual conversation, the man didn’t appear to have heard about the rape. He took a chance. “In fact, it’s Tammy I’m looking for.”
    “Oh, that’s right, you’re new in town. In the market for some property, are you? Well, Tammy can certainly use the business. She’s struggling right now.” He studied Ray’s face for a moment then frowned and took a menacing step toward him. “Wait a minute, I smell a rat. Why come here for Tammy? You want a Realtor you let your fingers do the walking.” His genteel manner was gone. “I don’t like people who use deception to get into my private home. I can see it now in your shifty eyes. What are you after?”
    He stared fiercely at Ray, raised his fist and then unexpectedly slammed it on the kitchen counter rattling dishes in a kitchen cabinet. Ray flinched and to his horror, the cup fell from his hand to the marble tiled floor. Pieces scattered like confetti. Hot coffee burned his fingers and splashed on his ankle.
    Towson ignored the broken cup. “What’s going on, fella?” He was almost at Ray’s nose now with his eyes narrowed and full of fire. “You didn’t even know she was a Realtor did you? Who sent you? Are you after her or me?”
    “You’re right, I didn’t know she was a Realtor.” Ray struggled to speak, his hand and his ankle burned severely. Trying to