Then it was too late.
Fate, tired of hesitancy, took the cards out of my hands.
Billie had been sitting, her head bowed on the table, the light above glistening on her hair.

Suddenly she arose to her feet, her face white and drawn, her hands extended in a gesture of disgust.

Attracted by the open window, and the black vista of night beyond, she stepped through onto the balcony, and stood there, leaning against the rail..