Chapter 1 - THE MAN IN THE NAVY SUIT
Richard Bennett waited until Claire was beside his black SUV before throwing the muddy water.
The cup struck her face and upper body. Brown water splashed across her white blazer, ran down the front of her dress, and darkened the hair at her neck. Her small white handbag slipped against her wrist as she stopped on the wet pavement outside Boston's Halcyon Grand Hotel.
For one second, she could not move.
Richard stepped out of the SUV laughing.
His gray suit was tailored, his shoes untouched by the rainwater gathering near the curb. Two hotel valets looked away.
“Still pathetic,” he said.
Claire wiped mud from her eyes. “What is wrong with you?”
Richard walked directly toward her and pointed at the ruined white clothing.
“You really thought you could do better than me?”
He had spoken to her that way throughout their marriage—quietly at first, then publicly after he learned that embarrassment made her freeze.
Claire clenched her jaw and said nothing.
Alexander Hale came through the hotel entrance.
He wore a clean navy suit with no visible designer label. He reached Claire, removed his jacket, and placed it around her muddy shoulders without asking whether Richard was watching.
“Are you hurt?” he asked.
“No.”
Richard looked Alexander up and down, then laughed again.
“This is him?”
Claire held Alexander's jacket closed.
Richard pointed at the simple suit. “You left me for this broke nobody?”
“I left you two years before I met him,” Claire said.
Richard ignored her. He inspected Alexander's shoes and plain steel watch with open contempt.
“You probably can't even afford dinner in this hotel.”
Alexander remained silent.
That silence encouraged Richard.
“Take her and get lost.” He pointed toward the street. “People like you use the service entrance.”
Alexander slowly looked at him.
Richard stepped closer and placed one hand against Alexander's chest.
Then he shoved.
“You're nothing.”
Claire looked at her husband.
Alexander did not move. His expression became completely cold.
Richard's smile weakened.
Alexander calmly removed the hand from his chest. He stepped forward until they stood face to face.
“You have no idea who you're messing with,” he said.
May you like
Richard froze.
For the first time since leaving the SUV, he looked uneasy.
