Outside Forces

CHAPTER 36

  Tuesday 10:00 Paris, France

  Nathaniel promised Diane the trip out to see an old friend on the outskirts of Paris would be a short one. He’d be quick as possible, maybe a couple of hours.

  “I’ll be back well before dinner.”

  “What old friend?” she asked. The sternness of her voice made it clear that she wasn’t pleased.

  He tried to dodge the question with a question of his own about what she had planned for the girls today until he returned. She knew what he was trying to do and offered to come with him. Things only spiralled downhill from there and ended with her accusing him of philandering.

  “I’ve often suspected it,” she said. “All of these late nights, trips across the country, secret phone calls. Who is she?” she demanded.

  “There is no other woman, Diane,” he assured her.

  “Then don’t go. Call your friend and stay with us. Please, Nate.”

  “It’s not that simple. I can’t just cancel.…”

  “This is our family vacation and I need you to put us first! Just once, Nate, I’d like to be first! It’s been all about you and your damn career for years. Now this friend of yours suddenly appears?”

  “I’m not cancelling.”

  “Damn you, Nate!” She turned away and began to cry. “I knew it.”

  He reached out to her. “Please, Diane.” She pulled away, dashed off into the small ensuite, and slammed the door.

  “Diane,” he called out quietly and moved up to the door. He could hear her sobbing. He knocked lightly. “I love only you, Diane. Only you. It’s only ever been you. This is work related.”

  Nathaniel looked down at his watch. He had to go.

  “I really do love you. Please understand.”

  He waited for her to reply, but she said nothing. He said his goodbye through the closed door, grabbed his hat, and headed for the safe house.