Chapter 49 American Beauty

• "Well then, may I please have her new phone number since she didn't see fit to give it to me herself?" She sounded more like the wounded victim now, and intent upon dismissing me as quickly as possible.
• And I was smiling now. I fucking love a winning hand. "Oh please, no. Mrs. Exley, don't take offense. This all happened very suddenly last evening. Brynne told me something yesterday, and I made the decision that she needed a new mobile number. It's that simple. She just hasn't had the time to get in touch with you yet, I am positive that's why." It was easy to be magnanimous when you held the better cards.
• "You made the decision, Mr. Blackstone?"