Page 30 of Bound By Fire
According to his file, her name is Coral. I may have crossed paths with her at a function once, perhaps twice, but I have too many under my command to remember every face attached to every spouse.
I get out.
Coral opens soon after I knock. Her hair is pulled back in a ponytail. She is wearing one of Dusk’s shirts, oversized on her, even with the bump.
She is clearly with child. The file did not mention that.
“They said someone from the Security Central would come by,” she says.
“Coral. I’m Ridge. I’m?—”
“I know who you are, and this is a surprise.” Her chin lifts a fraction. “Dusk spoke highly of you.”
“I’m so sorry that we are meeting under such terrible circumstances.”
A tear tracks her cheek. She wipes it away on the back of her hand.
“Come in.” Her voice catches.
The house smells of furniture spray and lavender. Like she recently cleaned every room. Perhaps cleaning helps calm her. There are flowers on every surface and cards stacked in two neat columns on the hall table.
She offers me tea. I accept and offer to help her make it.
“No, no. I won’t be a moment. Please. Sit.”
I do as she asks.
When she returns, she puts the cups down and lowers herself onto the couch opposite mine with the care of a woman in her last couple of weeks of pregnancy.
“When are you due?”
“Next month.” She pats her belly. “Not long now.” Her lip wobbles. “I keep thinking he’s going to walk through the door,” she says. “I made dinner last night and put out two plates. I didn’t even realize I’d done it until I sat down.”
“I am so sorry, Coral. It’s such a tragedy. Such a waste of a life, especially since we moved Dusk away from the frontline when the two of you mated. He should have been out of harm’s way. I’m so damned sorry,” I repeat. What more can I say? It isn’t enough.
“I know you are.” She wraps both hands around her cup. “I know.” She nods. “It isn’t your fault, Ridge.”
I would ask her how she is holding up, but I can see that she is barely hanging on, so I move to talk of the funeral arrangements instead.
“My office is handling everything, including the memorial service. I left an envelope on the table. It’s all in there. Although I know they have already been in touch, someone from my office will check in with you again tomorrow in case you want changes made. We can run with all of it if it is too much for you to tackle. You do not have to lift a finger. However, you might want to give some input.”
“Thank you. I’ll have a look.”
“There’s something else I need to discuss.”
She looks up.
My phone vibrates against my thigh, but I ignore it.
“Dusk’s pension provisions go to you in full. His housing allowance will also continue for the next five years. Medical cover as well. There is also a separate settlement that pays out as a lump sum within thirty days. None of it requires you to apply. My office will handle every piece of it. If anything is delayed, or denied, or queried, you call me directly. I will deal with it.”
I put my card on the table.
“That is my personal number. Do not hesitate to call me.”
She sits with her eyes on the cup. The rim shakes a little where her thumb rests.
My phone vibrates again.
