Dark Secrets of the Blind Husband

Yolanda’s voice dripped with flirtation in the delicate cocoon of her ear. “Damien, you mentioned you’d come over once Cherise drifts into slumber. When might that be?”

“I’m a bit weary. When do you think Cherise will doze off?”

“Why not utilize the sleeping pills you’ve prepared? Didn’t you prepare them?”

Cherise offered no reply.

She simply listened, her silence a canvas for Yolanda’s monologue, punctuated by soft utterances of “Mm,” “Ah,” “Okay.”

“Excellent. Let’s convene at our usual haunt tomorrow!”

Confronted with Yolanda’s buoyant tone, Cherise sighed inwardly, rubbing her temples. “Ms. Weiss.”

Finally, Yolanda exclaimed through the line, “You are…”

“I am Cherise.”

With the phone nestled in her palm, Cherise sighed again, her brow furrowing.

While she didn’t consider her initial “hello” particularly loud, it wasn’t muted.

If her voice reached Yolanda’s ears, why did Yolanda persist in this charade?

softened tone, which could mirror Damien’s

which is

intention behind her carefully chosen words was

faint smile. “Ms. Weiss, I presumed your late call was in pursuit of an accord regarding the issue

his spouse, I, too, wish for an amicable

only muddies the waters between you and my

my husband maintains

“It’s late, Ms. Weiss. Rest well. Perhaps in your dreams, you’ll succeed in winning over your

retort, Cherise terminated the call.

her and Damien with

No way!

“Finished?”

the scent of tobacco and the chill

crimson. “You…

“Mhmm.”

a smile, Damien entered the car, closing the door. His imposing frame once again enveloped Cherise. “My dear little fool, you’ve grown, defending the honor of Mrs. Lenoir.”

told you I’m not a

you’ll always be my