shoulder hit the velvet-lined

ous stares of the lobby receptionists. The small spac

silk tie. He yanked it down violently, comp

er. He slammed both of his hands flat against the

is breath hitting her face. "Do you have any idea

eyes shut, pushing the moisture out to create a steady stream of tears.

y is gone!" she screamed, letting her voice crack. "My brot

me. "You only care about the acqu

ssive hand. He twisted her arms, pinning

me remind you of something, Farah. That private facility in the Ham

chiatric and medical ward. I am his legal sponsor. Without my signature o

limp against the wall. She widened her eyes, letting a

ors slid open to reveal the

rm. He pulled her across the thick carpet and

leather sofa. She brought her hands up to co

uffs, his breathing slowing down as he

r. He poured two fingers of amber whiskey into a gla

a sickeningly sweet, patronizing hum, "and you smi

knee. "I will authorize a thirty-minute v

broke the skin. The sharp, metallic taste of blood flooded her

he heavy glass. The ice cubes clinked loudly aga

and smeared makeup. "I'm sorry," she whispered, h

ched out and stroked the top of her head, running his f

an's voice came through, frantic. "Mr. Tyler, the bo

on the wall, straightened his collar, and tightened

"Stay here. Rest. Do

e heavy walnut door

the whiskey glass down on the glass coffee

oor-to-ceiling window and looked down a

n a direct fight. She ne