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The office party was over, and everyone had left, including Lana and Daniel. Curt and Ben talked privately on the balcony of the hotel.
“Lana’s story is interesting,” Ben said diplomatically.
Nursing a glass of whiskey, Curt thought for a moment and then said, “I think she believes this bullshit.”
“Uh, huh,” Ben responded.
“My little Lana is more naive than I ever imagined.”
“Do you actually think that’s the case?” Ben asked.
“Yes, Lana is a damaged creature. She’ll believe anything because it’s what she wants to hear.”
“Exactly, which is why we have to keep her away from this con-artist,” Ben insisted.
“Yeah, of course,” Curt agreed.
“How much does Lana know about our company’s work?”
“Hard to say.”
“Daniel noted that she never discussed anything related to the business.”
Changing the subject, Curt asked, “How are negotiations?”
“The deal with this buyer is fine,” Ben replied.
“Lana is so incredibly secretive,” Curt complained.
Ben nodded and said, “Even if your wife knew anything, I don’t think she would share company trade secrets.”
“Why do you say that?”
“When I was at dinner with Lana, there was an opportunity for her to share things with Eric, but she kept quiet.”
“True, and technically she benefits from any money I make.”
“Exactly Curt, why would she want to screw things up?”
“Things don’t add up with Lana.”
“What do you mean?”
“Do you believe the story about her parents?” Curt asked.
“Not really,” Ben admitted.
“After graduation, Lana went MIA. When I probed her, she gave me a roundabout explanation regarding a marketing job.”
Ben shrugged. “Yeah, I vaguely recall that discussion at one of your parties.”
“Yep, we pinned Lana down, and she said she worked at offices in Boston and D.C.”
Ben nodded.
“Thing is, I had friends working in those cities,” Curt continued. “No one I knew ever saw Lana.”
“Maybe she was busy and didn’t go out much,” Ben suggested.
“When I asked Lana where she worked, she couldn’t answer.”
“What’s your point?” Ben demanded.
“When has Lana ever been honest about anything?”
“Your wife is as ambiguous in appearance as she is in character.”