mid woman who moved through her own home like a ghost, her eyes

ar. Come i

air freshener filling her senses. Susan took her coat with a nervous flutter o

g, polished mahogany table. He held a glass of red wine, swirling the dark liq

e boomed. "We wer

e just watched her, a flicker of impatience in his eyes. He was annoyed that sh

the sheer opulence of the room designed to intimidate. Crystal glasses,

ime rib, a clear display of wealth and power. Ford sulked, occasionally chiming in with a boast about a deal he was supposedly closing. Caryn

ilent Susan, Harrison leaned back in his chai

ross the polished table. The

know you're feeling hesitant. But you have to understand, we're doing this for you and Ford. We sell you

. "He's right, babe. Think about it. Our future." He squeezed her fingers, hi

led her hand back gently, using the excuse of picking up her water glass to break t

s not that I don't trust you," she said, her voice trembling. "It's just... that house is all I

to argue, but a sharp look from Harrison silenced

at. The moral pressure was next. "But a marriage is built on trust,

ooked from the papers to Ford, then back to Harrison, a perfect

he whispered. "Okay. I'll sign. It

ing, a flash of light so bright it was al

rison offered. The tip hove

r face. Then, quietly, almost to herself, she murmured, "I just... I keep thinking about what happens after. If things go wrong, I'd have nothing left. No ba

ght had just occurred to her. "Before I do... I need a gesture. Of go

ened by a millimeter.

vings aren't what they used to be. I want you to wire one hundred thousand dol

nce was

air scraping violently against the floor.

hrank back in her chair. "No! It's not! I just... If it's too much, then never mind.

Harrison's voice

of furious disbelief, but

he house was worth nearly a million. Even after fees, the profit would be immense. What was a hundred thousand dollars against

rstanding. "What a thoughtful, wonderful idea, Caryn. To take care of your elders. It shows what a

is phone, his jaw clenched so tight a muscle jumped in his cheek. He

t number?"

lm and clear. Her eyes were wide and innocent, a s

ious tapping of Ford's thumbs and the quiet hum of the refrigerator

ake a few minu

ing on her lap beneath the table, buzzed. S

of $100,000.00 h

oney for her new world. Paid for

, grateful smile. "I agree to sign, b

ding across his face. "Fantastic," he announced. "No