Chapter 30

I was still elated as I turned onto Jean's street. I was still looking forward to my revenge, still smiling at the shit that was coming for Amber and Dave. The smile, though, was tempered. I would enjoy this moment, this day. I would enjoy Amber and Dave's coming pain. I would keep true to myself during that enjoyment, though. I would not fall off the edge.

I could just make out a figure on the porch as the house came clearer into view. Jean was waiting for me, huddled within the terry cloth of her robe.

"You'd better come inside," she said quietly as I stood panting before the stairs. There was a seriousness to her words, an intensity that was both strange and familiar. I'd seen Jean like this once before when we'd lost a contract I'd worked hard on.

"What's up?" I asked, gasping for breath.

"Just ... come in," she said simply and walked into the house.

They were all waiting for me in the living room, the television on, some female reporter blathering on about something. I joined the