Carlos did not allow himself to speculate what exactly Cecil would do after Carlos left. He also did not allow himself to think about what the media would think that he and Cecil were doing during that half hour. Neither of those were things Carlos needed to know, and both made him feel that guilty surge again.

He nodded, and took the hand, and stood. Carlos schooled his face into a neutral expression, and tried to ignore the novelty of holding Cecil Palmer's hand.

But before they left, Carlos gave Cecil one more look -- are you sure? that look asked. This is our last chance to plan something else.