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“The other night you mentioned you saw William the day before the accident and that you’ll never forget what he said.”
    Gary leaned back in his chair and let out a long breath.
    She looked at him earnestly. “I’d really like to know what he said that had such an impact on you. William had been distracted for a few days, like something was bothering him. He didn’t tell me what it was, but I know something was on his mind.”
    “And you think what he said to me might be connected? Why?”
    She shrugged and shook her head. “I don’t know. When you and I talked the other night, it just struck me. I would feel better if I knew what had been bothering him. It might be nothing at all. I know it was a long time ago, but …”
    He took another drink. “William had a meeting with someone right before he saw me, and I don’t think it went well. Whoever he met with must have said something to really piss him off. I’d never seen him like that. He said he smelled the stench of carrion, and … it better stop. He said someone was going to have to pay.”
    “What? What does that mean? The smell of carrion?” She shook her head. “I don’t understand.”
    “I don’t either. He didn’t explain it to me. And he didn’t tell you anything at all?”
    “No.”
    Gary shrugged. “Well, it’s old history now.”
    “I guess.” Erin sighed, and they both ate a few bites in silence. Why would William say such a thing? It reminded her vaguely of something, but she didn’t know what. She could see that Gary had been disturbed by the incident and didn’t want to talk about it.
    “You’re probably right,” she said. “It was so long ago.”
    They were silent a few more moments. “What about you?” she said. “I hear you travel a lot, but I don’t really know much about your business or where you travel to.”
    Gary hesitated. “Did William ever talk to you about what I do?”
    “Not really.”
    He smiled. “I import goods: clothing, furniture, machine parts, lots of different things. I spend a lot of time in Asia, some in Eastern Europe, too. Always looking for new suppliers. It has its ups and downs. What do you do? Do you work with Aleesha in her gallery?”
    She laughed as she passed the rolls and butter to him. “No, I play piano. I majored in music, and I work in the local music store and give lessons.”
    “You’re a musician? Are you good?”
    She blushed. “People have said they enjoy hearing me play.”
    It was Gary’s turn to laugh, his dimples deepening and eyes sparkling. “Even the worst musician could say that. It’s obvious you’re too modest. I’ll just have to ask Aleesha. No, better yet, I’ll have to hear you play and judge for myself.”
    “You might be disappointed.”
    He studied her face for a moment and leaned close to her. “I don’t think so. You’re more beautiful than I remembered, and I don’t think you’d disappoint with your music either.”
    He was so close she felt his warmth. “I haven’t performed in over two years. I just give lessons now.”
    “Why?” he asked. “Why don’t you perform anymore?”
    Erin looked out the window into Aleesha’s garden. The pink rhododendrons were in bloom and a finch splashed in the nearby birdbath. “I just haven’t felt like it anymore—after William died.” She shrugged.
    He finished his soup and broke off a piece of roll, buttered it, and took a bite. They were both silent. Gary poured more wine into her glass and leaned toward her so she could feel his warmth again. “It will get better,” he said.
    Erin wondered if she could possibly be a more depressing dinner partner. Every topic she raised seemed to make him feel sorry for her. She tried to think of a happier subject, but Gary spoke first.
    “So, do you go to a lot of art exhibits with Aleesha?” he asked. “Are you familiar with Ian MacKenzie?”
    “Yes, I love his work. Aleesha had some of his paintings in her gallery not long ago, and I even got to meet