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even mean?”
    â€œGood question,” he said with a wry laugh. Her brains matched her beauty. “It means that even the best sometimes can’t stop the inevitable, or so they say.”
    â€œYou feel guilty for his death,” she stated solemnly.
    She didn’t know the half of it. “Yeah, I do.”
    She was quiet for a moment. “Who died?”
    He changed lanes, keeping his gaze alert for any signs of being followed. “A delegate from Kashmirwho’d come to the U.S. seeking assistance in gaining peace between India and Pakistan.”
    â€œThose three countries have been at war since the forties,” she said. “It’s just so tragic.”
    â€œIt is. India and Pakistan are in constant conflict over the territory of Kashmir. Each has nuclear capability and is prepared to use it if necessary.”
    â€œBut war didn’t break out when the dignitary was assassinated, right? I mean, we’d have heard something about it on the news.”
    â€œNo, thankfully. The assassination wasn’t related to the politics of the countries, but rather something to do with the personal life of the dignitary. Gambling.”
    She sat back. “Well, that’s something at least.”
    â€œYeah, at least.”
    But the shooting had killed his career and damaged his shoulder. Worse, it had eroded his confidence. Which this job was supposed to help rebuild. So far it hadn’t.
    â€œTell me some more about your relationship with your husband. I want to be fully prepared when we face the authorities.”
    She gave a long-suffering sigh. “There’s not much to tell. I married Steven right after my eighteenth birthday. I was in awe of this older man. Steven was kind and considerate. Dashing even. But it didn’t take long to see the real him. Steven wasn’t the best at interpersonal relationships. He did great in crowds and was a smooth politician, but…”
    She shrugged. “Mikey came along four years later. I was so happy to have a child. Steven was happy to have a son. By the time Mikey was three I knew somethingwas off. The autism diagnosis devastated Steven. My parents, or more specifically my mother, wanted me to put Mikey in a home. Steven agreed with her.”
    Anthony ached for Vivian, for the lack of support she apparently received. “That’s harsh. Why did you stay married to him?”
    Her expression made it clear she thought the question absurd. “I made a vow before God. Marriage is forever.”
    He liked her answer. In fact he found himself liking her a lot. “I agree marriage is forever. But he wanted to take your son away. Most people would have either bolted or capitulated.”
    â€œYes, well, needless to say, I stayed and I didn’t allow them to remove Mikey from me. I refused to bend under their pressure.”
    â€œThat’s very admirable. Shows a great strength of character.”
    She flashed a pleased and slightly embarrassed smile. “Thanks. That was the first time I’d ever stood up to my mother.” Her mouth twisted in a cynical smirk. “She didn’t like it much and still hasn’t forgiven me.”
    â€œI take it you and your mother don’t get along?”
    â€œThat would be an understatement. My mother is… Hmm, how best to describe her. The Wicked Witch of the West? Mommie Dearest. ”
    â€œOuch.” So even her childhood hadn’t been picture-perfect. Compassion welled up. “A bit tyrannical, huh?”
    â€œYes.” She made a face. “So was Steven. I’ve spent my whole life under someone else’s thumb.”
    Anthony cut her a sharp glance. Motive enoughfor murder? “Not anymore, now that your husband is dead.”
    Could that same strength of character he’d just admired be used to kill? Good thing he wouldn’t have to make that judgment. He was just here to bring her to the authorities safely.
    â€œTrue.