He agreed after I made it clear I knew Jessica had rejected him.
Richard opened the door wearing an expensive shirt and looking exhausted.
“Mark,” he said. “I’m sorry about your wife.”
“Don’t.”
He stepped aside.
The house overlooked the water. Beautiful furniture filled the rooms, and enormous windows faced a private dock.
Richard had everything money could buy.
Jessica had only wanted another dinner with me.
“Tell me what happened,” I said.
Richard explained that Jessica had accepted a ride back to the hotel.
“The resort launch wasn’t operating anymore. I offered my boat.”
“Why didn’t you let your boatman take her?”
He looked surprised.
“How did you know about him?”
“I’ve been asking questions.”
Richard sat down.
He admitted that a member of his crew had prepared the boat, but he’d insisted on operating it himself.
“It was a short trip. I knew those waters.”
“Then why did you crash?”
