Chapter 6 - THE MAN AT TABLE TWELVE
I met Gabriel Hawthorne at a charity luncheon.
He was forty-two.
Tall.
Dark-haired.
Quiet.
The kind of man who didn't need to raise his voice to be heard.
He owned Hawthorne Capital.
And according to the business press, he was one of the most influential private investors in New York.
I approached him after the event.
“Mr. Hawthorne?”
He turned.
“Sarah Mercer.”
I froze.
“You know me?”
He smiled faintly.
“I know who organized the Prescott Foundation fundraiser last year.”
I stared.
“You attended?”
“I did.”
He continued.
“You solved a catering problem that nearly shut down the event.”
I laughed softly.
“That was a difficult afternoon.”
Gabriel smiled.
“I remember.”
Then his expression changed.
“I also know you're married to Daniel Mercer.”
My stomach tightened.
“Yes.”
He hesitated.
“Would you be willing to discuss a business matter?”
I studied him.
“What kind?”
He looked toward the ballroom.
“One involving your husband's company.”
My heart began pounding.
May you like
Then he said:
“And a contract I believe was signed using information you never authorized.”
