Chapter Seven
“You have done well, dear.” Helga cast a regal eye around the living room, then turned to study Jana as well. “You are certainly better dressed these days.”
Jana flushed. She had hoped that Helga would do nothing to remind her of the relationship they once had. It had been a long time since Jana had cringed at Helga’s feet, yet the memories were fresh. She took Helga’s hand gingerly, remembering caresses and blows.
Age had only confirmed the lines around Helga’s lipless mouth and cold eyes. It had not bent her spine or softened her heart. She was tall and angular, overpowering the room, dressed in a mannish black suit, softened by a white silk blouse. A single ruby hung below her collar like a drop of blood. “I’m sure that I don’t have to tell you how surprised I was to he
