Page 544 of The Sinner: James

“What happened, Rain?”

She takes my hand.

“Please, James. Let’s walk outside,” she says.

We walk out silently, the balmy night greeting us at the entrance.

The doorman closes the door behind us before we turn right and stroll away from the hotel.

Not far from us, I spot my driver. The car is waiting for her. She’s serious about going back.

“I told him to wait for me,” she says as if knowing what’s going through my mind.

We take a few steps, a sweet smell of roses traveling to us.

We go past a nightclub, the music quickly fading.

We soon walk down the esplanade, where soft waves crash against the shore not far from us.

She stops by a handrail, prompting me to halt as well.

“I’m listening,” I say.

“I met your mother,” she says, grinning faintly.

I toss her a puzzled look.

“I’m sure that’s not the reason we are here.”

She gestures softly.

“No. It has nothing to do with her.”

She pauses, tipping her eyes down briefly.

“She’s as beautiful as I imagined her,” she says, lifting her gaze.

I look at her expressionless.

“Before I say anything else...” she continues. “I just want you to know this has nothing to do with the firm, what happened to Tiago, or the fact that you must help your mother find your brother. I understand all that. In fact, I wish we had this conversation at home instead of coming here and making a big deal out of it.”

“Whatever it is, it seems to be a big deal after all,” I retort.

Her soft hand lands on my chest.

“Please don’t get angry.”

“I’m not angry,” I say, trying to sound relaxed, my jaw refusing to unlock.

“Something happened after we spent some time here a few weeks back.”

“I’m hoping something good,” I say, holding her eyes, fully aware something good wouldn’t have brought her here.

“It wasn’t good.”

“Why am I hearing about this only now?”

“Because I couldn’t decide whether it was important or not.”

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