Liam
Meeting Patrick at the Carson Hotel's restaurant, I felt a strange mix of anxiety and anticipation. The opulent dining room was buzzing with the soft murmur of conversations, the occasional clink of silverware adding to the atmosphere. Patrick was already seated when I arrived, wearing a checkered long-sleeve shirt, the sleeves rolled up just enough to reveal a small dragon tattoo on his forearm.
As I sat down, I started with what was weighing on me. "I'm sorry I missed our meeting two days ago and didn't reach out to you," I said, my tone sincere. "That's not how I operate, but the circumstances were beyond my control."
Patrick smiled, his demeanor understanding. "Don't sweat it, Liam. I know why you couldn't make it. Your father-in-law was murdered in his suite, right here in this hotel. So, how are you and your wife holding up?"
I took a breath, feeling a surge of gratitude for his empathy. "I'm doing okay, but my wife… well, she's devastated."
