Chapter 4 - THE MAN WHO THOUGHT HIS WIFE WOULD NEVER LEAVE
Graham Calloway had built his reputation on knowing what people wanted.
Investors wanted confidence.
Politicians wanted donations.
Dockworkers wanted stability.
His associates wanted loyalty.
And his wife, he believed, wanted the security of being Mrs. Calloway.
He had never considered that Eleanor might want something else.
When Nora's letter arrived, Graham was in his office overlooking the harbor.
He opened it expecting another contract.
Instead, he found a notice of legal representation and a request to preserve marital and corporate financial records.
He read it twice.
Then called Eleanor.
She didn't answer.
He called again.
Still nothing.
At home that evening, he found her packing.
Two suitcases lay open on the bed.
Graham stopped in the doorway.
"What are you doing?"
"Leaving."
He laughed.
"Where?"
"Somewhere else."
His expression hardened.
"Eleanor."
She folded a sweater.
"Yes?"
"Stop this."
She looked at him.
"No."
Graham stared.
"Is this about the anniversary party?"
She went still.
Then nodded.
"Yes."
He exhaled.
"Ellie, it was a joke."
She looked at him.
"A joke."
"Men talk. You know that."
"I know."
He stepped closer.
"I didn't mean anything."
She zipped the suitcase.
"That's what makes it worse."
He frowned.
"What?"
"You didn't mean anything because you didn't think I mattered enough to be hurt."
Graham opened his mouth.
Then closed it.
Eleanor lifted her suitcase.
"I've arranged temporary housing. My attorney will contact yours."
He stared.
"You're serious."
"Yes."
He looked toward her left hand.
The ring was gone.
His face changed.
"Where's your wedding ring?"
Eleanor met his eyes.
"Somewhere safe."
For the first time, Graham looked frightened.
"Ellie."
She walked past him.
He caught her wrist.
"Don't leave like this."
She looked down at his hand.
Then back at him.
"Let go."
Something in her voice made him obey.
At the front door, he whispered:
"Ten years."
Eleanor stopped.
Then turned.
"Yes, Graham."
Her eyes shone.
"Ten years."
She opened the door.
May you like
"And you made me feel like an investment."
Then she left.
