Chương 132: Chapter 131 – Fish Out of Water

The arrival of the main course, delicate pan-seared Conswalla fish with a medley of vibrant seasonal vegetables, did little to alleviate the tension. The vibrant colors and savory aromas seemed almost garish against the backdrop of strained smiles and veiled glances. Jethro, still flushed and boisterous, tried to engage the guests around him in conversation, but his attempts were met with polite, clipped responses and quickly averted eyes.

"So Macolvie, how you liking your new office?" Jethro asked louder than he should have.

"At least you have a view with yours… I don't even has so much as a sindow in mine," he said, before taking another gulp of wine.

"You's know… this is some mightsy wine fine…" He giggled…

"I means, fine wine. Only the best for us exec's if you know what I'm sayin'," Jethro slurred. Anita thought if it was possible to drop dead from embarrassment she would have done so right then and there.

"Sweetheart, how about you have a glass of water, or maybe emberbrew with your dinner?" she asked across the table, looking helplessly at Viola than at Mordak.

"Jethro doesn't usually imbibe as you can see by the profound effect it is having on him," she said, her face flushing. Viola looked at Mordak and nodded, then shot Anita a sympathetic glance.

"It's fine dear, it happens to the best of us from time to time."

"Ah, he's fine, let him let loose Anita, he's among friends here," Mordak said, giving her a toothy grin.

"How's that fish? I had it flown in fresh from the coast today, it's so fresh it was practically swimming when it got here," he laughed.

"It's wonderful, sir," Anita said, forcing a smile.

"The chef did an outstanding job with everything," she said, looking down at her plate that was virtually untouched.

"Yeah Anita. I works hard, you can ask the boss man ober here. Sometimes a guys just gotta let loose and loosen the chains!" Jethro said, chugging more wine.

"Jethro…" Mordak said in hushed tones.

"Letting lose is one thing, getting stinking drunk is another," Mordak hissed.

"Maybe you should listen to your wife and have a glass of water with your meal," he said, looking at Jethro then to the server. He pointed at Jethro then made a slashing motion across his neck, cutting Jethro off from the endless bottle of wine. The server nodded and placed the wine bottle on the cart next to him and picked up a pitcher of water. Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings. Anita watched him with a growing sense of dread.

Jethro seemed completely unaware of the damage he had done, or the spectacle he was making of himself and her. Perhaps, she thought with a flicker of fear, he simply didn't care. Either way, the outcome was the same. He was committing career suicide and murdering her chances of social success. She looked at him with disappointment in her eyes before returning her attention to her meal. She pushed the fish from one side to another, finding she had lost her appetite.

Throughout the Conswalla fish course, Mordak remained outwardly composed, but his every action was precise, every word measured, every glance piercing. He held several short, seemingly innocuous conversations, but Anita could see the sharpness in his eyes, the subtle tightening of his jaw. He was a predator carefully stalking his prey, and Jethro, in his drunken stupor, was blissfully unaware of the danger closing in. Jethro held his wine glass up, indicating his need for a refill.

The server came up behind him and filled his glass with water before taking a few steps back. Mordak nodded at him approvingly before turning to Anita.

"How are you and Jethro settling into the new house?" he asked, seemingly sincere.

"Viola and I must come visit and see what you have…" Jethro began to spit water out across the table.

"What is this?" he demanded turning around to the server.

"How dare you!" he yelled, turning to Mordak.

"Hey Boss, your man over here gabe me wader, not wine. Fire him, now!" he demanded.

"Jethro, how about you and I take a walk outside…NOW!" Mordak said firmly, pulling Jethro up by the arm.

"Hey! I'm not finished wit my dinner yet!" Jethro said, struggling against Mordak's grip.

"Well, I say you are," Mordak growled, leading Jethro out of the dining room and onto the Veranda. The group sat quietly, shooting Anita sympathetic stares as Mordak dragged Jethro out. Anita sat red faced as the last of the Conswalla fish plates were cleared away.

"Excuse me," Viola said, standing up.

"I need to see what is taking the servers so long with the dessert and emberbrew," she said, her posture rigid and jaw clenched. Anita knew just by the rigidness of her demeanor she was not pleased with her husband's behavior. Her mind raced with what to do next. She felt like she was left to her own devices to fight off a hungry pack of wolves. Over her ten-year marriage she had been angry with her husband before, but this time he had gone too far. She began to push her chair back when Dr.

Wentworth gently grabbed her wrist.

"I wouldn't if I were you," he said softly.

"Wouldn't what?" Anita asked, looking at his hand on her arm.

"Go after her," he said, giving her a sympathetic look.

"Right now she is upset with Jethro, not you, the last thing you want to do is give her a reason to…" he broke off as Viola reemerged.

"Dessert is served!" she said cheerily, as the servers adeptly made their way around her carrying flaming plates.

"Please enjoy, folks." She smiled.