Chapter 4 - THE MAN WHO OWNED THE NIGHT
Vincent Hail occupied the private lounge on the hotel's thirty-second floor.
Claire discovered this when she delivered the envelope to the executive desk.
Marcus Bell appeared almost immediately.
He looked at the envelope.
Then at Claire.
“Where did you find this?”
“Beneath table twelve.”
His expression changed.
“Did you open it?”
“It wasn't sealed.”
Marcus stared.
Claire continued.
“I saw a photograph.”
He looked toward the elevator.
Then back at her.
“Please wait here.”
Five minutes later, the elevator doors opened.
Vincent Hail stepped out.
He had removed his tuxedo jacket.
His white shirt sleeves were rolled to his forearms.
Claire noticed a faint scar across one hand.
He looked at her.
“Claire.”
She folded her arms.
“Vincent.”
A faint smile touched his mouth.
“You found something.”
“Yes.”
He looked at the envelope.
Then at Marcus.
“Give us a moment.”
Marcus stepped away.
Vincent turned toward Claire.
“Did you see the photograph?”
“Yes.”
“Do you know the man beside Parker?”
“No.”
Vincent nodded.
“Good.”
Claire frowned.
“Why good?”
“Because knowing him could put you in danger.”
She stared.
“That's not reassuring.”
Vincent smiled faintly.
“I wasn't trying to reassure you.”
Claire looked at him.
“Then tell me what's happening.”
May you like
He studied her for a moment.
Then said, “Your ex-boyfriend is involved in something that has nothing to do with charity.”
