itiel

nated only by the flicker of candlelight and t

deals were struck in hushed tones and e

the waterfront construction projects. My father occupied the he

d twenty mi

wasn'

Sarah w

ss to a Commission dinner was an insult. Bringing the woman w

om. He needed this contract. I had already strangled

seats at the far

ched

low. And there, marred against the pale

ark of possession, displa

cold disgust ris

ietly and made my w

ds when the door ope

or. She smiled. It was

ing him aroun

on a paper towe

thing on your

the hickey.

f me," she said. "He says I

to face h

the sink, crossing

You were just a ticket to the top

the trembling insecur

rvice in Chicago, Sarah," I

ce wen

ed with the senator," I contin

r arms. Her hand

ing," she

a step

h. I have the photos.

p until she

from us,"

ung open. L

en us. He saw S

u do to her?

t into tears. She thre

Liam! She said she's

A pathetic,

at me with

family, Ava," he spat

at?" I

o the door. I put my

ay, Liam,

d back

ing. We pulled the fundi

fro

" he b

ing in high-risk ventures," I said. "Esp

aby. It was his ticket to legitimacy. Wit

t do that

ust

ed the

I said. "I hear the c

nding in the bathroom with a