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eyes. He reached for her hand.
    â€œThank you for coming, Ell, really.”
    â€œI told you I would.”
    â€œI know, and you didn’t have to, but that’s the kind of woman you are.”
    â€œMatt…don’t.”
    He turned away and looked up at the ceiling. “I made some mistakes, Ell.”
    She pressed her lips together. She didn’t want to hear this.
    â€œI messed up, with you, the girls, everything. I got to thinking that maybe this was my punishment for hurting you.”
    â€œMatt—”
    â€œJust hear me out. I know I have no right to ask you anything, but I need you, Ell. Really need you. I know I can’t get through this alone.”
    Oh, how their roles had reversed, she thought. For years it had been her who’d depended on Matthew. Depended on him for everything, from finances to happiness. When he pulled the rug out from under her, she’d felt as if she’d been dropped into a bottomless pit and would never stop falling. Now it was Matt who needed her and she wasn’t sure how to handle that.
    â€œThe doctor said you need to make some decisions about…your treatment as soon as possible.”
    â€œI was hoping that we could do that together.”
    â€œThis is your life, Matt. Your decision.”
    â€œIt’s our life. We may not be legally bound together, any longer, but you’ll always be my wife, Ell. Always.”
    She couldn’t do this. She couldn’t let him manipulate her emotions like this.
    She lifted her chin. “Did you drive?”
    â€œI took a car service.”
    â€œI’ll be in the waiting room. Have the nurse or someone come and get me when you’re ready. I’ll take you home.” She turned and walked out before he had a chance to say anything else. But, instead of going to the lounge, she went to the ladies’ room, found an empty stall and wept.

Chapter 5
    R on got up from the edge of the desk as the two men came through the door. He knew who they were before they opened their mouths. They all looked the same, so inconspicuous that you’d have to be blind not to see they were government men.
    â€œCan I help you?” Ron asked.
    The first man took off his prerequisite sunglasses. “I’m Agent Jennings and this is Agent Collins.”
    Ali came to stand next to Ron. “You guys are pretty far away from home.” He folded his arms across his broad chest.
    â€œLocal business. We’re looking for Ron Powers.” Agent Jennings focused on Ron, knowing it was him by his photo, even though the picture was an old one. He hadn’t changed much over the years.
    â€œI’m Ron Powers. What can I do for you?”
    â€œIt’s been brought to our attention that you were a former member of the Black Panther Party.”
    â€œThat was a long time ago. I was a kid. What about it?”
    â€œOld enough to get arrested.”
    â€œYour point.”
    â€œIt’s also been brought to our attention that you have a supplier that has connections to the Middle East.”
    Ali dropped his arms and took a step forward. “What the hell are you talking about?”
    Ron backed him up with his arm.
    â€œNo need to get nasty,” agent number two chimed in.
    Ali cut the agent a look.
    â€œI don’t know what you’re talking about and, if my supplier does have these alleged connections, I don’t have anything to do with that.”
    â€œThat’s where you’re wrong,” Agent Jennings said.
    â€œWe want to take a look at your books and your employee list,” Agent Collins said.
    â€œYou got a warrant?”
    Jennings tightened his face. “It won’t be a problem to get one if you force us to go that route.”
    â€œNo force. Just citizens’ rights. What’s left of them,” Ron tossed back.
    â€œIt’s really best if you don’t make this more difficult than it is,” said Collins.