Page 101 of David

I don’t think that was the case with this man.

I don’t think he had the time to figure out how to impress her or whether to do it or not.

He somehow pulled her into his world, and she couldn’t get out of it. Him calling her and pursuing her doesn’t help either.

“Who is he?” I ask.

“I have no idea.”

“What?”

I set my coffee down.

“What do you mean you have no idea?”

“I have no idea. Some guy from New York. He’s in town with business.”

“Like, uh… What kind of business?”

She shrugs.

I would have expected more from her.

“What’s his name?”

“He was probably drunk when he said people call him ‘The Architect.’”

“You’re fucking with me now.”

She seems amused.

So, finally Chloe stumbled upon someone who pulled her out of her game.

“Is he some kind of kingpin? Serial killer?”

The room fills with laughter.

I smile.

“You think it’s cute. Seriously now. Why ‘The Architect,’ and what people? Co-workers? Friends? Enemies? Please don’t tell me he’s on the FBI's most wanted list.”

“No, he’s not. I don’t think so.”

“Huh… You don’t think so? That’s a horrible thing for you to say. You’re such a letdown.”

Chuckling, she dismisses me with a gesture.

“I don’t care. I wouldn’t put myself in harm’s way.”

“You have no idea who this guy is. Where does he live? Some kind of sordid motel?”

“It’s a nice, expensive hotel suite. I told you he’s in town with business.”

I shake my head in disbelief.

“Okay. I give up. Uh… Wait a minute,” I say after a moment. “How is he in town for business if he has an ex on his tail? And how come she knows about his whereabouts if he’s such a mysterious guy?”

Her eyes glint as she feels validated.

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