Chapter 6: Item One, In Public

Jasper stepped away from me one pace and straightened his pocket square, and I fixed my strap.

We walked out of the service hall.

Honora was waiting at the Holloway table with the black folder open in her hands.

Six people from the board sat around it, and Leopold was already pulling out a chair for her.

"Mr. Holloway," she said warmly. "I wanted to apologize in person for Tuesday."

"It was Ms. Larkin's departure," Jasper said. "I wasn't offended."

"Of course not. You're a generous man."

Honora lowered her voice to a hush that carried to the next table.

"She's been unwell, you know. She told the entire staff she was dying."

A woman at the table put a hand to her chest.

"I'd hate for a client to be taken advantage of," Honora said. "She's been pursuing you, hasn't she? Poor girl is clearly not herself."

Everything in the room slowed.

"Poor girl," I said, "is standing right here."

Honora turned.

For about one second her face was blank.

Then she smiled, and it was her client smile, perfect and bright.

"Dinah, how lovely to see you. You look very well, considering."

"Considering what?"

"Your condition. I only mean I'm concerned. Such an unfortunate episode."

"You called me unstable in front of the board," I said.

"I'm saying what everyone is thinking."

"Then let's talk about what I know." I stepped to the table and put my hand on the open folder. "May I?"

She tried to close it, but my hand was in the way.

On the first page was the title of the Holloway campaign, in Honora's typeface and under Honora's name.

SAVED YOUR SEAT.

"Mr. Holloway," I said, "ask her anything about it."

Jasper looked at me, and then at Honora.

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