No expensive jewelry.
No designer handbag.
Nothing that would attract attention.
I wanted Clint to underestimate me.
One last time.
When I walked downstairs, he was waiting near the front door.
He looked me up and down.
His expression changed.
“You’re actually wearing that?”
I smiled.
“What’s wrong with it?”
“Nothing.”
He reached for his coat.
“Just… don’t make things awkward tonight.”
I picked up my purse.
“I won’t.”
He smiled, apparently satisfied.
He had no idea that the purse contained an encrypted phone, a recording device, and a federal badge.
As we drove toward The Obsidian Room, Clint spent the entire journey talking about Meredith.
How brilliant she was.
How powerful she was.
How important tonight’s dinner would be.
I listened quietly.
Then he said something that made my blood run cold.
“After tonight, everything changes.”
I turned toward him.
“What do you mean?”
He smiled.
“You’ll see.”
I looked out the window.
The city lights reflected across the glass.
I wondered if he realized that his entire future was already sitting in the evidence file waiting for me.
At exactly eight o’clock, we arrived.
The Obsidian Room rose above the street like a fortress.
Dark stone.
Black glass.
Brass doors.
Security guards positioned discreetly around the entrance.
Clint straightened his jacket.
“This is where important people come to make important decisions.”
I looked at him.
“Is that why you brought me?”
He smiled.
“No.”
Then he stepped out of the car.
He leaned closer.
“It’s because tonight, Clara, you’re going to meet the people who matter.”
I smiled politely.
What he didn’t know was that I was about to show those people exactly who mattered.
We walked toward the entrance.
A hostess stepped forward.
Her eyes immediately landed on me.
Then on Clint.
She smiled.
“Mr. Harrison. Welcome back.”
Clint nodded.
“Good evening.”
She looked at me.
“Mrs. Harrison?”
“Yes.”
Her smile disappeared.
She glanced toward Clint.
He gave the smallest shake of his head.
