Alexander grabbed his coat and bolted out in a panic, his steps frantic with urgency. He’d only just left—how could something have happened to her already? If one day he wasn’t around anymore, what would she do? Henry Cooper called after him, glancing at his watch. “Hey! Man, you’ve only been here half an hour and you’re already ditching?” He hadn’t even properly started on the drinks. Eric Vernon tried to hold him back. “What’s so urgent? At least finish your drink!” But William Frost cut them off. “Can’t you see he’s rushing back to his wife?Cut the chatter.” Henry and Eric: “…” Fine. They knew when to shut up. — On the way back, the rain poured relentlessly. Alexander drove like a man possessed, running red lights, nearly hitting a pedestrian, befor

