“We need the Crown Plaza.”

The strange administrative fee and the cold look on Samantha’s face at the restaurant formed a troubling picture.

I gave in to the inflated budget only to keep the peace for my ailing wife.

“Let’s go back to my office,” I said.

“I have the paperwork there.”

We drove separately back to Abernathy Capital Investments.

Brandon walked into my suite and sat in the leather guest chair, checking his phone again as if he were waiting for instructions from Samantha.

I sat in my chair and pulled the venue agreement from the blue legal folder.