Page 19 of Dirty Husband

"Thank you." I shoot him my customer service smile.

He catches the fakeness. Frowns.

I have my cards to play. There aren't many of them. But I do have them.

* * *

At home,I change into my pajamas, fix a cup of chamomile, check my cell.

Even though it isn't business hours, it's there. Some strings Shep pulled, no doubt. I thought he was rich and powerful before, even as a teenager, but now?

He has everything.

He has all the power in the world.

The power to destroy me likethat.

Only he can't. He needs me. I'm not sure why. Only that he does.

I read the message again.

Payment received. Trong Lee is scheduled to begin treatment Monday.

This is it.

Dad has a chance. He really has a chance.

The weight on my chest lifts. My limbs get lighter. The tension in my stomach eases.

This is going to be okay.

There's actually a chance.

There's a chance he's going to make it.

Chapter Seven

Jasmine

Despite my lack of sleep, I skip to work. It's a beautiful day. Bright blue sky, shining sun, blossoming flowers.

Spring in New York. It's gorgeous. Why is it I've never noticed?

I step into the lobby of my office building. It's buzzing with men and women in suits. The click-clack of designer heels against tile. Conversations about deals and weekend plans.

I guess it is Friday. I usually keep better track. The weekend is a chance to see Dad. Sometimes, I can even take him out of the hospital for a few hours. We can go to the park. Or take a walk along the water. Go to that restaurant in Chinatown he loves.

It's been so long.

The voices blur together during my elevator ride. All the way to the thirty-eighth story.

The office is half full. All the assistants are here, at their desks, setting up, making calls, checking schedules.

I turn left outside the glass-walled conference room. March to my desk—the one outside the biggest corner office.

But it's empty.

The framed photo of my high school graduation, that tin of tea Mom loved, the tiny gold Buddha that matches the one in Dad's room—