"Claire, get in the car."
She had just dropped the children off at kindergarten and was about to catch the bus to her job at Zanna Perfume Shop when Gilbert pulled up beside her. He rolled down the window and issued the command without preamble.
"No need," Claire replied coolly, not even glancing his way as she continued walking.
"Claire, stop right there."
His tone was sharper now, tinged with irritation. He really couldn't stand that she never seemed to appreciate his gestures.
Claire stopped, turned slowly, and looked at him with a calm but clearly displeased expression. "What do you want, Mr. Watson?"
Who did he think he was, yelling at her like that? She didn't owe him anything.
"Get in the car. I have something to say to you."
The demand came out with his usual arrogance, like he expected her to obey without question.
Claire was just about to refuse when she caught a flash of light out of the corner of her eye, a paparazzi camera. Her expression stiffened.
