Page 22

"Yes, Mrs. Harcourt?"
"Can you please just answer one last question for me?"
"I..."
"It won't get you in trouble, I promise."
"I'll try, Mrs. Harcourt."
"Do you think...if I ask my husband to...d-delegate some of hisemergenciesand have someone else handle it, do you think h-he'll say yes?"
Summerine could see the older man hesitating.
"Please, Andrew."
And she realized she wasn't too shy to take advantage of this.
"I just need to know the truth."
The older man looked at her gravely. "If you're asking what I believe Mr. Harcourt would likely choose if it were between you and his emergencies at work—-"
Summerine held her breath.
"I believe it's best that you don't ask him to choose, Mrs. Harcourt. There are some things we are better off not knowing."
Soft Spot
(DO YOU SEE THE IRONYhere?)
Please just let me have my moment.
(You didn't even blink when you learned your husband was a criminal.)
Because I'm not the type to judge.
(But you're bawling your eyes out now because he has someone else?)
Because it's hurtful!
(Again: do you see the irony here?)
Really hurtful!
(Why is it even hurtful?)
Because!
(Have you forgotten your marriage isn't normal?)
Even so!
(You know what this really means, right?)
Don't say it.
(You're—-)
I said don't!