Chapter 2 - Behind the Black Door
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Jack Thompson didn't shout.
He didn't threaten anyone.
He simply held out his hand.
“May I see that message?”
I hesitated.
“You're not going to break my phone, are you?”
His expression remained unreadable.
“Not unless it insults me too.”
Despite everything, I nearly smiled.
I handed him the phone.
He read David's message.
Once.
Then again.
Something cold settled behind his eyes.
“Your husband believes I'm capable of killing him?”
“Apparently.”
“And you?”
I considered the question.
“You haven't given me a reason to believe otherwise.”
Jack returned my phone.
“Good answer.”
Then he looked toward the two guards.
“Bring Mr. Martinez into the corridor.”
One of them hesitated.
“Sir, he requested privacy.”
Jack slowly turned his head.
“Did I ask what he requested?”
“No, sir.”
“Then go.”
Both men hurried toward the private suite.
I watched them disappear through the black door.
My heartbeat hammered against my ribs.
“What happens now?” I asked.
Jack looked at me.
“That depends on whether you're telling the truth.”
“Would I be standing here if I weren't?”
“People have lied to me for considerably less.”
He was right.
And I hated that he was right.
The suite door opened.
David appeared first.
His dark hair was slightly disheveled.
His expensive navy suit jacket hung over one arm.
Behind him stood Jennifer, adjusting the clasp of her diamond necklace.
She stopped when she saw Jack.
Then she noticed me.
For half a second, genuine panic crossed her beautiful face.
“Jack?”
My husband followed her gaze.
“Clare?”
I folded my arms.
“Surprise.”
David immediately stepped forward.
“Sweetheart, what are you doing here?”
I stared at him.
“Interesting. I was about to ask you the same question.”
Jennifer recovered quickly.
“Jack, darling, this isn't what it looks like.”
Jack studied his wife.
“Then explain what it is.”
She smiled nervously.
“David and I were discussing a charitable partnership.”
I glanced toward David's open collar.
“Must be a very hands-on charity.”
David glared at me.
“Clare, stop embarrassing yourself.”
Something inside me snapped.
“Embarrassing myself?”
I stepped closer.
“You lied about your meeting. You brought another man's wife into a private suite. And somehow I'm embarrassing myself?”
David lowered his voice.
“Go home. We'll discuss this privately.”
I laughed.
“No.”
He stared at me.
“What did you say?”
“I said no.”
For twelve years, David had been accustomed to my cooperation.
He had never learned what to do when I refused.
Jennifer turned toward Jack.
“Darling, surely you don't believe this hysterical woman.”
Jack didn't even look at her.
“Clare hasn't raised her voice.”
Jennifer went silent.
Then Jack faced David.
“Tell me about the charitable partnership.”
David swallowed.
“It's a complicated arrangement involving several companies.”
“Which companies?”
David hesitated.
And suddenly, I understood something.
My husband wasn't merely afraid of being caught cheating.
He was afraid of what Jack might discover if he started asking questions.
I reached into my handbag.
“Actually, Mr. Thompson, I brought something that might help.”
May you like
I placed the envelope on a small table beside us.
“Because your wife isn't the only thing my husband has been stealing.”
