Chapter 2 - THE MAN WHO CAME FOR HER
Grant released Evelyn.
Slowly.
Then turned toward Vincent.
“Mr. Moretti.”
His voice changed immediately.
Respectful.
Careful.
Almost friendly.
“What an unexpected surprise.”
Vincent didn't smile.
“Evelyn called me.”
Grant laughed.
“My wife is having a difficult evening.”
Vincent looked at Evelyn.
“Is that true?”
She swallowed.
Grant answered for her.
“She's emotional. Weddings do that to people.”
Vincent didn't look at him.
“Evelyn?”
She stared at the ground.
For three years, Grant had spoken for her.
At restaurants.
At parties.
At doctor's appointments.
Even when people asked her direct questions.
Now Vincent waited.
Not impatiently.
Not with irritation.
He simply waited.
Evelyn took a breath.
“I don't want to go home with him.”
Grant's expression hardened.
“Evelyn.”
Vincent turned toward him.
“She answered.”
Grant forced a laugh.
“You don't understand our marriage.”
Vincent's expression remained calm.
“I don't need to.”
He looked at Evelyn.
“Would you like to leave?”
She nodded.
“Yes.”
“Then come with me.”
Grant stepped forward.
“She's my wife.”
Vincent stopped.
For a moment, the garden seemed completely silent.
Then he said, “That isn't an answer to whether she wants to stay.”
Grant's jaw tightened.
“You have no right to interfere.”
Vincent looked toward the ballroom.
Several guests had appeared near the terrace doors.
He lowered his voice.
“Then let's keep this simple. She has said she wants to leave. You will let her.”
Grant looked at the witnesses.
Then at Vincent.
Finally, he stepped aside.
Evelyn moved toward the car.
Her legs trembled.
Vincent walked beside her.
He didn't touch her.
Didn't rush her.
Didn't ask questions.
At the sedan, he opened the door.
Evelyn stopped.
“Where are we going?”
Vincent looked at her.
“Where would you feel safe?”
She stared.
Nobody had asked her that in years.
“I don't know.”
He nodded.
“Then we can start somewhere public. You can call your sister or anyone you trust. We'll help you arrange somewhere to stay.”
Evelyn swallowed.
“Thank you.”
Vincent glanced at her bare feet.
Then removed his overcoat.
“May I?”
She nodded.
He placed it around her shoulders.
The coat was warm.
Heavy.
Smelled faintly of cedar and rain.
Evelyn began crying.
Vincent stepped back.
May you like
“Take your time.”
And for the first time that night, she believed she might actually be free.
