As Jessica moved across the great room the music grew louder.

    It took her back to the first time she'd heard this piece in Byrne's van, the nocturne by Chopin.

    She soon realized it was coming from the music room, but it sounded live, not recorded. It sounded like someone was playing the cello in that room.

    'The house is clear, ma'am.'

    From across the hall she noticed candlelight illuminating the room, candles she had just put out. As she approached the entrance, peering around the doorway, she saw someone sitting in a chair at the opposite side of the room. It was Christa-Marie. She held the beautiful cello between her legs and was playing the nocturne, her eyes closed.

    It made no sense.

    Why is she back? Who let her come back?

    Jessica drew her weapon, held it at her side, rounded the door- jamb, and saw a second figure standing in the shadow of the short hallway leading to the kitchen.

    It was someone she knew very well.