The Richest God of War

2. A Changed Son-in-law

For three years, Richard had lived in a fog. But he had not been blind to the world. His wife worked in show business, so he knew a little about it.

He knew who Sandra Jones was.

She was the most beloved star in the country. Next to her, Rosetta was still only a rising name. Sandra also had a spotless name. People praised her character as much as her talent, and her violin concerts sold out for months.

Now she pulled a small ashtray from her pocket and put out her cigarette. Then she took off the thick glasses.

Her real face was beautiful. Her skin was smooth as cream. Her eyes were bright and clear.

"Oh no," she said, feigning shock. Then she frowned. "You knew it was me all along. You just wanted to show off."

"Not really."

"Sure." She shrugged. "Fine. I'll tell you the truth. I said I was sick so I could ditch my manager. I wanted a little fun. I never thought the reporters would find me. Now you know, so keep it a secret."

She drew a pen from her pocket and stepped closer, smiling.

Richard stepped back.

Her hand closed on empty air.

She looked graceful even in a badly fitted uniform, which only made it worse. She glared at him. "Hey! What's wrong with you?"

"Sorry," Richard said calmly. "I don't like being close to strangers."

"Strangers?" She almost laughed. "You know exactly who I am!"

She was the hottest star in the country. Men stared at her wherever she went. They tripped over themselves for her attention. And this man had backed away.

"Thank you for the cigarette," Richard said. He dropped the butt into her ashtray. "You have my word. Your secret is safe."

Then he turned and walked down the stairs. She saw only his back.

Sandra stood there for a long time. Then she smiled.

Interesting.

Every man wanted to get close to her. She had learned to stay calm and keep her feelings hidden. But this man had seen her real face and hadn't blinked. He hadn't stared. He hadn't wanted anything. He had looked at her the way he might look at a stranger on the street.

She never thought she would meet a man like that in a small city like Albany.

***

Richard walked back to Baywater Garden in the dark.

The guards at the gate stared at him. He wasn't even limping.

*Didn't he get taken to the hospital? Tough kid.*

Richard opened the front door.

A glass flew at his head.

The old Richard would have been hit. His skull would have split open again.

But the old Richard was gone.

He lifted his hand and caught the glass without a sound.

"Richard!"

A sharp voice filled the room. His mother-in-law, Mrs. Williams, came storming over with her hands on her hips.

"I told you to buy groceries this morning! It took you the whole day? Were you a turtle in your last life?"

She hated this marriage more than anyone. She couldn't control her daughter, so she took it out on Richard. For a year, she had shamed him again and again.

Richard could have ended it with one sentence. One name. But he said nothing about who he was.

"I'm sorry. Someone attacked me today. I went to the hospital."

"Stop lying!" she shouted. "Who would hit a useless man who lives off his wife? You were out playing because Rosetta wasn't here! Admit it!" She sneered. "Or do you want us to starve so you can take our house? Keep dreaming!"

A middle-aged man walked over. "That's enough. He really was beaten. The guards told me. They say one of Rosetta's suitors did it."

This was Shayne Williams, Richard's father-in-law. He held the lowest place in the house.

"Oh, now you defend him?" Mrs. Williams rounded on him. "If you weren't so useless, my daughter would never have married this trash! You make me sick!"

Another fight was about to start.

Then quick footsteps came down the stairs. It was Yvette, Rosetta's younger sister. "Mom, please stop! Rosetta isn't home yet. Call her and find out where she is."

Mrs. Williams looked at the clock. It was after ten.

"You're right. She should be home by now." She stormed off to make the call.

Mr. Williams exhaled like a man released from prison. He lowered his head and hurried to his room.

Richard stood alone in the hall, still holding the glass.

After ten, and Rosetta wasn't home.

His eyes turned cold.