Under the stark light, Leonel's gaze fixed on his wife.

Moments later, he fished a cigarette from his pocket, struck a match, and inhaled deeply. "I've been gone for a week. Is this the crux of your message?" he probed.

Alexis offered a ghost of a smile. "The essence of my message is bound in the agreement."

Tension quivered in Leonel's fingertips as he grasped the cigarette, another Long pull painting shadows on his hollow cheeks, accentuating a weary charm.

His eyes were frost as he considered her.