Chapter 4 - The Return
The flight to Seattle was incredibly peaceful.
Arthur watched the fluffy white clouds drift by, feeling lighter than he had in a decade.
When the plane finally touched down, a familiar gray drizzle greeted him on the tarmac.
It was the same comforting, steady rain he remembered fondly from his youth.
He collected his two suitcases from the busy baggage carousel.
He hailed a cab and gave the driver the address of a quiet, historic hotel near Pike Place Market.
Back in the sprawling mansion, the harsh reality of the situation was tightening like a noose.
Claire sat at the massive marble kitchen island, staring blankly at the screen of her laptop.
"The automatic payment for the country club just bounced," she said, her voice shaking slightly.
Logan poured himself a glass of expensive scotch, his hands trembling as the amber liquid splashed.
"Cancel the membership," Logan replied bitterly.
"We cannot afford to care about golf or social events right now."
Claire slammed her manicured hands flat on the cold countertop.
"We cannot just cancel everything, Logan!" she yelled, her panic returning in full force.
"What will our friends think when we suddenly drop off the face of the earth?"
Logan took a long, burning sip of his drink and stared at the empty foyer.
"They will think we are exactly what we are," he said with a hollow laugh.
"Broke."
In Seattle, Arthur unlocked the heavy wooden door to his hotel room.
It was small compared to the mansion, but it was incredibly clean, warm, and inviting.
He set his vintage leather suitcase carefully on the metal luggage rack.
He walked over to the window and looked out at the bustling, wet city streets below.
He reached into his bag and pulled out a new smartphone he had purchased at an airport kiosk.
He dialed the number of an old friend, a retired real estate lawyer he had not spoken to in five years.
The line rang three times before a familiar, gruff voice answered the call.
"Marcus speaking," the voice grumbled.
May you like
"Marcus, it is Arthur," he replied, a genuine smile touching his lips.
"I am back in town, and I think I am finally ready to start over."
