“Justin, it’s time to go,” his uncle called out.

He sighed. “I’ll see you on Saturday.”

She closed her eyes and shook her head.

“I’m sorry,” he apologized, realizing she wished to continue talking to him. “I don’t wish to upset you but I don’t have a choice. Being in my line of work, others pretty much dictate my life for me.”

She didn’t respond.

He knew that she wasn’t happy but as his uncle called out for him again, he knew he had to leave. He wished her a good evening and followed his uncle out the door.

***

By the time Justin and his uncle reached Richmond, it was almost half past ten in the evening. John Burgess was an important client at the Monroe Investing Firm, but why couldn’t he hold off on this meeting until the next day? Why did it have to be late at night?

Justin was exhausted. He was up before six that morning to prepare an outline for an investment plan that Larry Martin wished to discuss. He had to skip lunch so he could attend a meeting. Then there was the stress of the engagement dinner party, and now he learned that something was bothering his fiancée. He didn’t know how he was expected to keep going. He fell asleep on the train and was only half-awake for the buggy ride to John Burgess’ home.