CHAPTER 6: Ryan Performs for the Clouds

Ryan tried to become charming before Cecilia could speak.
He moved into the aisle, one hand lifted toward the passengers as if he were calming a delayed meeting instead of a marriage collapsing in public.
"There has been a misunderstanding," he said. "My wife is emotional. We are under pressure. This flight is about the company, not private drama."
Claire looked through the oval window at the endless white clouds beneath them.
Private drama. That was what weak men called betrayal when the documents were not yet in evidence.
Cecilia's voice came through the phone, cool and sharp enough for the nearest passengers to hear.
"Is Mr. Ellison present?"
"Yes," Claire said.
"Is Ms. Vale present?"
Brooke's lips parted.
Claire answered, "Yes. Wearing the ring he bought with a company account."
No one in the cabin moved.
Ryan's performance faltered because the clouds did not applaud, and the witnesses had begun to count themselves.