The Mistress in the Room novel · Chapter 20 of 24

Chapter 20: The Thirtieth Anniversary

I went to the control table at five, three hours before the doors opened.

It was the same man, in the same black shirt, with the same headset around his neck.

He recognized me and took a step back.

"Mrs. Lindahl. I'm so sorry about the last time."

"It wasn't your fault. You told me the file wasn't on your list." I put a drive on the table between us. "I need you to do something that is on your list."

"Ma'am, Mr. Lindahl's office sent a final cue sheet."

"I'm sure it did. I own the building his firm sits in, and the hotel manager has my number."

He looked at the drive for a long time.

"What's on it?"

"The truth, in the right order."

"Does anyone get hurt?"

"One man does," I said. "Deservedly."

He took the drive, and he slid it under his clipboard.

"I'll run his tribute first. Then I wait for your hand."

At eight the ballroom filled.

Two hundred people sat at round tables under the crystal lights, and the twelve-foot screen glowed white above the stage.

I wore the navy dress and my mother's pearls.

Evan sat on my left in a dark suit that hadn't been out of its bag in years.

Hannah and Seth sat on my right, and Hannah held my hand under the tablecloth in a grip that hurt.

"Are you sure?" she whispered.

"I'm sure."

"Dad will see you the moment he walks in."

"I'm counting on it."

Across the room, at table three, sat the college crowd.

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