The Graduation Trap novel · Chapter 7 of 24

Chapter 7: Her Own Drink

"Let go of her, Braden," said a voice from the third table.

It was the white-haired woman.

She had risen with her napkin still in one hand, and she was looking across the whole room at the man in the doorway.

"I know that boy," she said. "He's my son."

Nobody breathed.

Sullivan's face did something I had not seen it do, a quick helpless flinch.

"Mother," he said.

"I sent you that invitation. I wanted you to see it." She turned to Cynthia. "Four hundred and twelve thousand on a thirty-eight-thousand note. Put the true figure on paper, Cynthia, and I'll witness it myself. I've sat at your tables for twenty years and I'd hate to start telling people what I think."

Cynthia's smile finally broke.

"Friday," she said through her teeth. "My attorney will send it Friday."

Braden let go of my arm.

His fingers left four white marks that went red.

Daphne turned and walked out, shoulders shaking, and he followed her without a word.

I did not watch them go.

Outside on the club terrace, ten minutes later, I stood at the rail with my cashier's check still in my hand and did not feel the way I'd expected.

I felt like someone who had run a long way and found out the floor was there.

A waiter came by with a tray.

"Can I get you something, ma'am?"

"Lemonade," I said. "In a glass you pour in front of me."

He nodded and went to the service bar.

I watched him fill it.

"Jo."

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