Chapter 21: Two Years

Cynthia walked toward the stage and I stepped back to meet her.

I held out the microphone.

I do not know why.

Maybe I wanted the room to hear her say it in her own voice.

She took it without looking at me.

"I'm not an employee," she said.

Her voice shook once and then steadied.

"I've been Russell Haldane's employee for two years. I've been something else for the same two years."

"Cynthia," Russell said. "Careful."

"You said I barely know the woman."

She turned to the tables.

"I know that he takes his coffee with one sugar, and that he hates being called Russ. I know he sleeps on the right side of the bed."

Somebody at Table Three put down a glass.

"Suite 614," Cynthia said. "On the company card, every Thursday. He has a key to it in his left jacket pocket."

Russell's hand moved before he could stop it.

It went flat against the pocket.

Every person in the hall saw it.

"Dad," Hannah said, from the head table. "Empty your pocket."

"Hannah, this is ridiculous."

"Then it won't take long."

"I will not be searched at my own daughter's wedding."

"Russell," the chairman said.

His voice was thin, and it was the first time I had heard him use it as a chairman.

"Show us the pocket."

Russell stood very still.

Then he slid two fingers into his jacket and drew out a white plastic card with a small gold hotel crest.

He set it on the tablecloth.

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