Ten minutes later, the alarm wailed. Alicja was center stage in the dining hall, clutching her chest and demanding a glass of sherry for her "shattered nerves."

Zofia smiled, adjusting her glasses. "Perhaps. But it matches my eyes." Should we explore , or

"He’s been skimming from the residents' heating fund for months," Kinga hissed, her eyes sharp. "Old Mr. Kowalski is wearing three sweaters to bed. It’s uncivilized."

"The Director’s safe is behind the portrait of his own ego," Zofia whispered, nodding toward the hallway. "The one where he’s holding the 'Employee of the Month' trophy from 1998."