***The Hotel Room***

Daniel knocked on the hotel room door. Three sharp raps.

Natalie opened it. Red dress. Hair perfect. Lipstick fresh. Performing already.

"You're late," she said.

Daniel walked past her. Loosened his tie. "Had things to deal with."

"Emma things?"

"Family things."

Natalie closed the door. Locked it. Followed him to the minibar where he was already pouring whiskey. "How bad was it?"

"Bad enough." Daniel drank. Refilled ...