PROMISES IN DEATH - Berkley

She took the stairs, gained herself a little more time, and circled around to his door. What would she say?It couldn't be the standard here. It couldn't be the standby: I regret to inform you...I'm sorry for your loss. Not here, not with Morris. Praying it would come to her, it would somehow be the right way, she pressed the bell.In the time that passed, her skin chilled. Her heart thudded. She heard the locks give, watched his lock light go from red to green.He opened the door and smiled at her. His hair was loose. She'd never seen it loose, raining down his back rather than braided. He wore black pants, a black tee. His exotic almond eyes looked a little sleepy. She heard the sleep in his voice when he greeted her.'Dallas. The unexpected on my doorstep on a rainy morning.'She saw curiosity. No alarm, no worry. She knew her face showed him nothing. Not yet. Another second or two, she thought. Just another few seconds before she broke his heart.'Can I come in?'-from Promises in Death