Chapter 44

I force myself to sit still when Marcus turns and leaves. I meet his eyes once more, but, like Nick’s, his expression is impenetrable. Still, I’m sure there is suffering behind the masks of these men, and I wish it were in my power to make this better—for Marcus, whom I love, and for Nick, whose respect I cherish.

In the middle of the silence, I hear the elevator doors close even though they’re on the other side of the apartment. As if the sound were a signal, Nick turns to me.

“Did you know?”

His words hold no inflection, and despite the years I’ve worked with him—despite the power I’ve seen him wield and the hot temper I’ve witnessed—this is the first time I’m truly nervous in front of my boss.

“He tells me on Saturday.”

What I don’t add is that the reason Marcus comes here tonight is me. As soon as he tells me his secret, I know I have to tell Nick; otherwise he would make me responsible for it, too. And I wouldn’t feel comfortable keeping this from