Chapter 10
The scorpion had retreated for good, his claws shorn, his venom drained.
The Parmenters sat in their Miami Beach living room, a silent space, like the eye of a hurricane, separating them.
Phoenix had been deathly disappointing to Jack who sat looking every kind of humble. "Guess I fucked up, huh? Come on, admit it, Adrian, I was sucked in by that bastard." He spread his hands and grinned a crooked smile, his eyes reflecting apologies. "I'll never make any money in this business . . . "
"Jack, it's all right. We didn't lose anything, and that's what matters. Even as she mouthed those words her buttocks ached from that damnably horrifying night when all self control had been torn from her with the help of scotch and hashish.
"Honey, if you want to dump me, I don't blame you. I was selfish and inconsiderate and I didn't take you out on the town even once in Phoenix. Towards the end, I was getting suspicious of Wade Collins and I should have admitted that to you but I . . . I . . . " He shook his head and heaved a snickering, self-degrading sigh. "I shouldn't keep secrets from you, Adrian . . . you never have from me."
Should she tell him? Would it lessen his mental pain?
"Jack . . . it's not like that.. . I mean, I.. . " She paused, her soft green eyes studying her husband's boyish, trusting look. Perhaps she would tell him tomorrow. Yes, tomorrow she would tell him about Wade Collins and herself.