At the entrance of the restaurant, Assistant Carter pulled the car to a stop. The porter approached with practiced deference, opening the door with a polite bow.

Sophia stepped out, her expression calm and composed, and gave the number of the reserved private dining room to the attendant waiting by the entrance. The hostess nodded courteously and led the way.

The door to the private room hadn’t been shut, and from several steps away, Sophia could already hear the ...