Page 35 of Hell Hath No Fury

Eric flushed. “It wasn’t a confrontation.”

“That’s not what I heard.”

“What did you hear?” Matthias asked.

“I’d rather get Mr. Baker’s side of things.”

Eric stared at his clenched fists on his lap. “Sonny had been drinking,” he said, as if that explained everything.

“I’m aware of that much.”

Eric sat up straight and stared Fergusson square in the eye. “I was having a business lunch with a gentleman who’s starting a new company in town. Sonny staggered his way to my table and started making accusations.”

“What kind of accusations?”

“He suggested the lunch was a date rather than a business lunch.”

“You’re gay.”

“I am. It’s no secret.”

“I understand you don’t publicize the fact either.”

“In this part of the country? No. I don’t.”

“So, in other words, your sexual orientation is indeed a secret.”

“It’s no one’s business.” Eric bit off the words. “I don’t ask who anyone else is sleeping with.”

Fergusson raised a hand. “I’m not arguing the point. Frankly, I don’t care one way or the other. My concern is what Jones did in public. He humiliated you, did he not?”

“He made a scene. That’s on him. Not me.”

“As I understand, your business associate walked out, and you had words with Mr. Jones.”

“I told him to back off, but I did so quietly. I didn’t think anyone overheard.”

Fergusson shrugged. “Apparently everyone in the place heard Jones’s response. He called you a few choice names. Names that, granted, were not suitable in public.”

“Like I said, he was drunk.”

“I’m not debating that. Nor am I debating that what he did was idiotic and uncalled for. Your life is your own.” Fergusson leaned forward. “What I want to know is this. How angry did his outburst make you? You lost a potential client. Everyone in the restaurant heard Jones and knows about you now, if they didn’t already. That must’ve pissed you off.”

“I’m a professional. My clients appreciate my work. Sonny’s actions won’t have any long-term effect.”

“Really? Because he’s dead. That’s as long-term as you can get.”

ChapterEleven

Emma huddled with Nell in the bathroom as if hiding from the monsters that scared the sisters when they were kids. She’d heard the front door slam a few minutes earlier but hadn’t gotten up to check if it was the state trooper leaving.

A faint rap at the bathroom door brought a whimper from Nell. Emma held her tighter.

“Em? Nell?” Eric called softly from the other side.

Nell uncurled from the tightly wound ball she’d been coiled into.

“Stay here,” Emma told her and climbed to her feet. She unlocked the door.