"What is this place?" asked Brndan.

Deirdre explained, "This is Madame Russell's place. She is my mother... Ophelia's good friend. I stayed at her house temporarily when I left you. She took care of me."

"Madame Russell?" Brendan found the name familiar but couldn't recall her. He wondered, "Is that Tobey's mother?"

His voice deepened as he asked, "Tell me she didn't take care of you because she saw you as her daughter-in-law."

Ignoring his question, Deirdre coughed and proceeded toward the