Page 35 of Executive Decision

“Can’t you just hire an attorney?” Susanna asked.

“In the UK. I must find a barrister willing to go up against him.”

Dahlia clarified. “Because people will fear going up against a member of the government?”

I nodded in agreement. “And honestly, I cannot even focus on that right now. I worry he will destroy everything I own—as well as the house—in the interim.”

“I will break him into a million pieces before I let that happen,” Lanie insisted.

“Same,” Dahlia added. “He’s a fucking mess, isn’t he?”

I shrugged. “He’s just an older man who does the same thing to every woman he’s with. I was stupid enough to think he loved me, and it would be different.”

“Stop calling yourself stupid! You’re like the smartest person I know!” Dora declared.

Dahlia wrapped her arm around my shoulders and squeezed them. “We’ve got you. I can take a moment from Paris to ensure you are safe.”

“I’m going to have to quit the firm,” I sobbed. “They will set me ablaze now.”

“Let’s cross that bridge when you come to it,” Dahlia said. “You can stay with us in Paris if you need to. Promise.”

Susanna nodded. “Anytime.”

13DUMB ENOUGH TO FALL

Cal

“The eulogy was beautiful,”Tom said.

Mom nodded. “You’re a wonderful communicator. The Delphines no doubt appreciated your kind words.”

“I did what I could to remember a man who was very good to me,” I said.

“He was. He did right by you. I’ll grant him that.” By Elise Markham’s standards, that was a broad declaration of support.

I looked towards the bar line in the Delphine’s North Astor Street House. Like any good Catholic funeral, the after-party had plenty of food and drink. I observed Danna chatting politely with guests—too politely. Usually the life of the party, Danna played along as the world raced around her. She observed it but did not take part. She usually drove the conversation like a queen at court. Today, she stood in a corner, almost bewildered.

“I worry about her,” Tom said.

“She needs time.”

I wasn’t sure if I said it more for me or the widow’s benefit. David loved the fire in his wife. I knew how much her temper only wound him up. The two liked to argue like old people, but cancer robbed them of spending their golden years together.

“I’m getting more booze,” Mom said.

“I’ll join you,” Tom agreed.

“No, you will keep me on a leash,” Mom clapped back, annoyed.

I stood around awkwardly after their departure until I noticed Kristy hands full with an inconsolable Baby Laurie. I rushed to help her, half-expecting her to fight me.

“Can you hold her?” Kristy asked. “She’s a disaster and wants a binky. It’s in my pocket, but my hands?—”

“I got her.” I took the baby.

Laurie transformed from a tiny potato to a smilingsackof potatoes since I saw her a few weeks ago at a coffee shop. Her eyes brightened, and she blew me a raspberry.

“You’re adorable,” I cooed. “Fucking adorable.”

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