Chapter 35
As the three men approached the restaurant table to take the empty seats, Ryan peeked only long enough to discern that Maclean Vallance was being escorted by Jacob and Sam Capone. Ryan made eye contact with Sam only, holding his gaze for a few intense moments, then dropped his head and stared at his appetizer plate with his cheeks and forehead flushing bright red, betraying his powerful emotions.
"Hello, Ryan," Maclean said, from the chair across from him.
"I am so unbearably sorry," Ryan muttered, refusing to look up.
"I am happy that you appear well."
"I am not well."
Silence engulfed the table until the waiter opened and poured their wine.
"None of us want to be here," Jacob announced, mostly directing his words at the other mature man beside him, Nathaniel's bodyguar
