Chapter 7 - THE HALLWAY ABOVE US
The private club had guest suites on the second floor.
Not hotel rooms.
Small rooms for relatives after late dinners.
I did not know Nathan had used one that evening.
The club access log later showed his keycard at 6:31 p.m.
Suite Two.
Maren’s name did not appear in the club log because she entered as Diana’s guest through the private side reception.
That fact would take weeks to verify.
At the time, all I knew was Nathan came from the hallway with fresh lipstick.
The first answer he gave Lucio was:
“It is not what it looks like.”
Nobody has ever improved a situation with that sentence.
I was already leaving for the hospital.
Nathan tried to follow.
Lucio blocked him.
“Stay away.”
I turned.
“Lucio.”
My brother looked at me.
“Do not decide that for me.”
I looked at Nathan.
“You do not come to the hospital tonight.”
Nathan’s face collapsed.
“Elise.”
“That is my decision.”
Lucio stepped aside enough that Nathan could leave if he wanted.
Good.
No detention.
No private punishment.
No bodyguards taking him downstairs.
Nathan stayed because Diana was crying over frosting on his suit.
I almost laughed.
May you like
Then my back tightened again.
The joke disappeared.
