Long Way Down by Michael Sears

Author:Michael Sears [Sears, Michael]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Literature & Fiction, Literary, United States, Mystery; Thriller & Suspense, Thrillers & Suspense, Financial, Suspense, Literary Fiction, Thrillers
ISBN: 0399166718
Amazon: B00KWG66AU
Barnesnoble: B00KWG66AU
Goodreads: 22521933
Publisher: Putnam Adult
Published: 2015-01-01T06:00:00+00:00

26

Barneys on Madison sells clothes, but the restaurant in the basement is the main draw for the ladies who lunch. The sign says FRED’S AT BARNEYS NEW YORK, but I never heard anyone call it Fred’s. It was “Barneys.” I was not the only man in the dining room—most of the staff was male and there were two men eating at a table on the far side of the room.

Selena Haley was checking her watch as I approached. Her lunch date was already five minutes late.

“Mrs. Haley?” I said. “May I join you?” My voice sounded strained, nasal, and flat. I promised myself a nap just as soon as this was done.

She looked up and for a moment she was beyond speechless. Guilt, anger, and fear fought for top billing. But she was good. Breeding and training. She recovered almost immediately.

“Mr. Stafford? I’m so sorry, but I’m waiting for someone. She should be here any minute. But thank you for asking.” I was dismissed.

“Dolores Cutler? I’m afraid she’s been held up.” I pulled out the chair and sat.

At that moment, Dolores Cutler was most likely still desperately trying to convince the painting crew that I had sent to her apartment that she had not hired them, did not want her apartment painted that day, and that she had no time to discuss colors with the short, pushy man with the sad face. Roger would be sure to buy me at least half an hour.

This time it took Selena a bit longer to recuperate. Her mouth opened, closed, opened again, and closed once more. She reached for her purse and pulled out her cell phone. I waited until she had finished dialing before hitting the button on the jammer in my jacket pocket. McKenna’s friend had assured me that it was efficient, well-charged, and illegal. She scowled at the phone, tried again, and finally dropped it back into her purse.

I forced my scratchy voice to sound as calm and forceful as possible. “If you try to leave, I will stand up and make a scene. I will make loud entreaties that you not abandon me, and think back on all we have meant to each other. There will be references to specific sexual acts that you enjoy.”

Her face lost all color. “How dare you? Lies! Who would believe it? Or even listen?”

I looked around at a hundred or more well-dressed, Botoxed, and surgically enhanced women shoppers. “I’d bet most of them. You’ll be on Page Six tomorrow.” I smiled politely. “I’m having the crab and shrimp salad. What about you?”

“You’re insane.”

“But only north-northeast, and today the wind is southerly. Bear with me. I only need your attention for a few minutes. Then I will go and you may never have to see me again.”

“I’m leaving.” She pushed her chair back.

I stood up and leaned over the table. “Selena!” I cried. “You can’t! Please. I left my wife and child for you.”

Her head rocked back. I had the attention of everyone within three tables of us.

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