Barbara nodded and left him to it. She showered to make herself somewhat more alert, and came back to lukewarm coffee. It didn't matter, however, and she finished the half a cup in two mouthfuls, so that she was better able to put up her hair, clean her teeth, and carefully apply a small amount of makeup.

Once she was presentable, Barbara went down stairs with the room key, and her purse. She waited out the front of the hotel for Howard to run past her.