Chapter 3 - THE MESSAGE
Claire waited.
One minute passed.
Then another.
Ethan didn't return.
She looked at his untouched phone charger beside the table.
He had taken his phone with him.
The waiter quietly returned.
"Ma'am, would you like me to call the manager?"
Claire shook her head.
"No."
She opened her purse.
Then she stopped.
Something felt wrong.
She looked toward the hallway.
Ethan had not gone to the restroom.
She was certain of it.
Claire stood and walked slowly toward the corridor.
She heard voices before she saw anyone.
Ethan was speaking in a low voice.
"I told you I handled it."
A man's voice answered.
"You didn't."
Claire froze.
"I need more time."
"You've had six months."
Claire's heart began pounding.
She moved closer.
The other man continued.
"If she finds out what you did, you're finished."
Claire covered her mouth.
What had Ethan done?
She stepped backward.
Her heel touched the floor.
The voices stopped.
Ethan appeared around the corner.
His face went pale.
"Claire?"
She stared at him.
"Who was that?"
"No one."
"Don't lie to me."
Ethan approached.
"You misunderstood."
"I heard enough."
His expression hardened again.
"You need to go."
Claire stared at him.
"Why?"
"Just leave."
"Not until you tell me what's happening."
The mysterious man appeared behind Ethan.
He was older, dressed in a gray coat.
He looked directly at Claire.
Then he said something that made Ethan visibly panic.
"She doesn't know about the account."
May you like
Claire's blood ran cold.
"What account?"
