The Cherished Wife

The car had barely come to a stop when Clarisse turned to the visibly agitated Janet. "Janet, what's up?"

"Turn around, now! Follow that car!" Janet shouted at the driver, pointing ahead. "Do you see it? That's Charles's car!"

"Charles?" Clarisse squinted at the traffic, but all she saw were cars zipping by, none with a recognizable plate. "Are you sure you didn't get it mixed up?"

"I'm positive, Aunt Clary. I'd know Charles's car anywhere, and I've got the license plate memorized. We've got to catch up!" Janet's heart was pounding for reasons she could not explain. "What's Charles up to, heading out at this hour? And I'm pretty sure there was someone with him in the front seat!"

"You're probably mistaken. If he's got company, it's likely just his secretary," Clarisse reasoned, though she had to admit she did not know her son as well as she might. Charles leaving the office at this time had to be business-related. "Janet, look at the time. You've got work, remember?"

He used to be so sweet to me, but now... there has to be a reason for the way he's acting." Janet's determination was unshakable. With a sigh, Clarisse gave in and instructed the driver to tail the mysterious

and Noelle were deep in conversation about a deal involving some West City property, trying to decide their next move. Out of the blue, Charles

a beat as Charles's foot slammed down on the accelerator. Papers in hand, she nearly lurched forward, barely catching herself in time. Once she regained her balance, she turned to Charles with wide eyes. "Charles, what's going on?" Charles's lips were a tight line as he stole a glance in the rearview mirror. Noelle twisted around to see

to get ready for a high-speed chase. As he floored it, the car behind them did the

"He knows!" she exclaimed. Then, in a rush of words, she

in a speed-limited

of Charles's driving prowess. Charles's car was a beast with all the bells and whistles, while Clarisse's,