Chapter 2: Something He Signed a Long Time Ago
Elena didn't move from her crouch beside the wheelchair.
Claire's laugh faded when she realized the room hadn't joined in.
"Excuse me." Claire's voice dropped to something quieter and sharper.
"This is a private event.
I suggest you get back to your station before I find your manager."
Elena looked up at her.
"I know where my manager is," she said.
"He's standing by the east doors.
Would you like me to call him over?"
Someone near the adjacent table set down a fork.
Grant touched Claire's arm.
She pulled away.
"Adrian." Claire's tone shifted — softer now, almost reasonable.
"You're making a scene.
That's not like you."
Adrian finally spoke.
"You turned my chair, Claire."
The words were quiet.
That made them worse.
Claire's jaw tightened.
She glanced toward the photographer, who had raised his camera again.
Then Grant leaned close and said something directly into her ear.
Her expression changed.
Not anger.
Something closer to calculation.
She reached into her small evening bag and removed a folded envelope.
She held it out toward Adrian.
"Since you're here," she said, "you may as well have this now."
Adrian looked at the envelope but did not take it.
Elena's fingers tightened slightly around his hand.
"What is that?" she asked.
Claire smiled.
"Something he signed a long time ago."
---
What's inside that envelope — and why did Claire bring it tonight of all nights?
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The answer changes everything.
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