The room took on a different feel. With Ackley blocking the doorway and Amy holding a gun to my head, things weren't looking up for Brodie and me. Brodie must have felt it, too, because his demeanor changed. He no longer took any interest in my shirt. He was too busy wasting time.

"Evelyne, is that your world-famous goose I see on this table?" he asked.

"With an apricot glaze, yes it is. Do you remember it?"

"How could I forget? Heaven on a plate. Would you mind ...