Ali said consolingly. “Are you sure you want to go ahead with the Dream Club tonight? We can always reschedule.” It was our regular meeting day and I was eager to discuss new developments in the case. The members were scheduled to arrive in a couple of hours. “I’m fine,” I told her. “A hot cup of tea and I’ll be as good as new.” It was four o’clock, and I’d returned to the candy store after doing some shopping in town. My mind was still reeling after my morning at Beaux Reves, but I knew it was better to get on with business as usual and not dwell on my terrifying experience. I’d downplayed the awful basement scene to Ali. I was afraid she’d have nightmares for weeks if she knew exactly how bad things had been for me. “How’s business today?” “A bit slow,” Ali admitted. “The lunch crowd was fairly good, and a few people came in for tea and pastries about an hour ago. I told Dana she could leave early; she’s putting in way too many hours with us.
