After dinner, the waiters cleared the table and reced the dishes with bottles of red wine, champagne, fruit tters, and an assortment of juices.


    The academy ssmates rarely had a chance to get together with their busy schedules. Everyone was in high spirits. A few of the men, arms slung over each other''s shoulders, grabbed microphones and belted out a ssic rock anthem.


    The women gathered in a circle, chatting animatedly. At their age, most were married with children, and their conversation drifted to husbands, kids, and the details of domestic life.


    Yvonne sat quietly in a corner, thinking that if she hadn''t died, she would be just like them, with a family and children, able to join their conversation about everyday life. "If you''re bored, we can head back now," Bet said, leaning toward her.


    "Let''s stay a little longer," Yvonne replied.


    After all, she didn''t know when she would ever see them again.


    Bet nodded. "I''m going to step out for a cigarette."


    "Okay," she said, watching him leave the room.


    The private room was a cacophony of sound-the men''s booming karaoke and the women''s lively chatter.


    Only after Bet was gone did they dare to bring up Yvonne.


    "If Yvonne were still alive, she and Mr. Thompson would probably be married with kids by now. It''s a shame. The beautiful die young."


    "Bet was head over heels for Yvonne back then. I thought he''d stay single for her forever. But as soon as she was gone, he moved from one woman to the next. First, it was the official''s daughter, now it''s this young, fresh-faced starlet. Who knows what kind of woman will be next? Men!"


    "Yvonne passed away. Mr. Thompson didn''t cheat on anyone. He has the right to get married and build a life for himself. Crystal, you''re being too harsh."


    "I don''t care. I just feel it was so unfair to Yvonne," Crystal said, her voice filled with emotion. She shot a resentful re toward the corner where the new Yvonne was sitting.


    Back in school, Crystal and Yvonne had been good friends. When Yvonne dropped out of the academy for her undercover mission, Crystal had given her an earful.


    Yvonne''s death in the line of duty was ssified; only her family knew the truth. To the outside world, she had died in a simple car ident.


    But as a narcotics officer, Crystal likely


    detail some of the inside


    details, which would exin why she fék so strongly for her friend


    When Crystal''s gaze fell on her, Yvonne offered a friendly, gentle smile.


    Caught off guard, Crystal looked away, a flicker of embarrassment on her face.


    Soon after, Bet returned and resumed his seat beside Yvonne. With him present, no one dared to mention the first Yvonne again.


    The party continuedte into the night before finally breaking up.


    Everyone had been drinking, so they all called for car services.


    Mr. Shah and Marlon lived in the same district, so Marlon offered him a ride home.


    The rest of the group left in twos and threes.


    Bet offered to give April a ride, but her car, a ck Audi A8 with a driver, was already waiting at the curb.


    Instead of getting in right away, April stood by the car and spoke with Bet for a few moments more.


    "That girl you brought tonight?"


    "My girlfriend," Bet stated simply.


    "Then what about Ynda?" April''s expression hardened.


    "We broke up," Bet replied.


    "But you two seemed to be getting


    along so well. Why the sudden


    breakup? Your mother adores


    jel


    Ynda. She''s going to be. heartbroken."


    Bet just curved his lips into a nomittal smile.


    "You know


    April said, her tone


    taking on a lecturing quality,


    never listen to your elders aet


    day you''ll live to regrerit."


    Five to regreret


    She finished by ncing in Yvonne''s direction, her voiceced with disdain and condescension.