The movement caused enough disruption that two restaurant staff members moved quickly toward the table. Chairs scraped. Someone in the room made a startled sound. The man with the badge stepped between the two men and told them to back up.
Daniel released Andrew but held his position.
He told Andrew directly what he had managed to accomplish. He had used company funds to maintain a second life while two women made decisions based on a version of reality he had constructed entirely from lies.
Andrew’s composure, which had always been one of his most dependable tools, was completely gone.
The Sidewalk After
Claire placed the gift bag on the table in front of her husband.
She wished him a happy anniversary.
Then she walked out.
The cold hit her the moment she stepped through the door. Chicago in March has a particular kind of cold that feels personal. She made it halfway to the corner before her legs became unreliable.
Daniel followed but kept a respectful distance.
He told her he was sorry.
She asked which part he meant.
He gave a hollow laugh and told her to take her pick.
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