The door closed with a discreet click. Jessica stood in the center of the bedroom, hands clasped in front of her, fingers knotted so tightly that the knuckles whitened. Eyes lowered. The room was vast, flooded with light from the high mullioned windows, but the atmosphere was warm. A large bed occupied the back, covered with ivory silk sheets.
Kaiser approached slowly. He placed the documents on an inlaid dresser, then returned to her. He gently took both her hands in his, squeezed them tenderly, his thumbs passing over her knuckles.
"Look at me, Jessica."
His voice was low. She raised her eyes. Her cheeks bore a vivid pink, and her lips slightly parted. A delicate mouth. Her pale skin contrasted with the pale green fine wool dress she wore, very modest, buttoned up to the high collar.
