Max rubbed a hand through his hair, and then logged off the computer. He kneaded his fingers into the tight muscles of his neck. It had taken two hours to complete the final amendments to his bid. The construction rights to build the latest shopping mall in Butler County were now finalized. All he had to do was submit his tender.
He swiveled in his chair and looked out of the office window. The headquarters of his company, M. D. Construction, were situated on the tenth floor of the newly built office block, providing him with excellent views over all of Wichita. The Arkansas River, winding its way through the city, glistened in the late afternoon sun. It wasn’t often he had time to admire the view, but today he would allow himself to enjoy it. After all, his construction company was thriving. He’d built it up from nothing, with his own hands and little capital. He was very proud of what he’d achieved. There were several projects in the pipeline at the moment, and many more in varying stages of development. It was a far cry from his earlier years as a poorly paid construction worker. He was his own boss.
The intercom buzzed on his desk and he lazily flicked a switch.
“Yes, Becky?”
“Max, Ella is here to see you.” Before he had time to reply, his secretary added, “She says it’s important.”
He paused for a moment, contemplating if he could avoid the meeting. He didn’t want this conversation, but Ella was a hard woman to ignore. If he didn’t speak with her now, he knew she’d be waiting for him outside when he left the building. He sighed heavily, and then answered, “Send her in.” Better to have this conversation in private, rather than in front of all his staff.
Within a few seconds, Ella came through the door, looking as elegant as ever. He could smell her seductive perfume as soon as she entered. He wondered if it was a trick of the light, but she appeared even thinner, her face even more drawn than when he’d seen her last. She’d pulled her hair back into a ponytail. Her black, hip-hugging jeans with matching knee-high leather boots only accentuated her slender frame. A plum silk blouse, which opened modestly at the neckline, revealed the black velvet choker around her neck once more. Only this time, a pearl, tear-shaped droplet hung from the center. In any other life, Ella was a woman he would strive to possess, mind, body, and soul, until he had her complete submission. He wiped a hand over his face. My God, Kirk was barely cold in his grave, and he was already thinking sexually about his best friend’s wife—albeit an adulterous wife. Max quashed those thoughts and pointed to the leather chair opposite his desk.
“Take a seat, Ella.”
He apprehensively tapped an index finger against his chin as she slowly took the seat. Bright blue eyes looked accusingly at him.
“What’s going on, Max?”
“Going on? I don’t know what you mean?” He knew full well that he’d avoided her for the last week. His best friend was dead, and he blamed her.
“You said you’d call.”
“I’ve been busy.”
“It’s more than that.”
He sighed. There was no way around this. “Would you like a coffee? I can get Becky to fix you one.”
Ella looked irritated, and moved uneasily in her seat. “No, I don’t want a coffee, Max. I just get the feeling you’re avoiding me. I know you’re grieving for Kirk, but I need to talk to you. I can’t reveal these things to anyone else. They wouldn’t understand.”
“Look, Ella.” He waved his hands in a dismissive manner. “There’s no need to say anything. I already know.”
Ella’s face held a picture of surprise. “You do? But you never said.”
“Why would I. It was a personal matter between you and Kirk. It’s none of my business.”
“Oh? And what is that?”
“Do I really need to spell it out for you?” Max absently moved some papers around on his desk. Ella was making this difficult for him.
A quizzical look formed on her face. “Max, are we talking about the same thing here?”
“Ella, don’t make me say it.”
“Say what?” Her voice rose an octave, and she gritted her teeth. “Max, you’re scaring me. I need to know exactly what you’re talking about.”
“Why? What does it matter now? Kirk’s dead, and there’s nothing we can do or say to bring him back.”
Color began to tinge her cheeks, and she shook her head. “No, no, you’re blaming me for something. I can see it in your eyes, Max. You can’t hide it. That’s why you’ve been avoiding me. I want to know what you mean. Tell me.”
“Very well. I didn’t want this conversation, Ella. I’ve been avoiding you like hell this last week, but since you insist.” He breathed in, trying to contain his anger. There sat the woman who’d sent his best friend over the edge, and she had the audacity to demand he tell her? Well, he’d give it to her straight. “I know you were having an affair.”
* * * *