Page 118 of Scandal
“You know the security team is working on it,” Mac assures me. “They’ve even brought in law enforcement, but with your background in Hollywood…”
I nod. “I know, it could be anyone.”
One of the first things Lewis, the head of security, asked me to do was make a list of potential suspects. But how do you narrow down a decade’s worth of stalkers and overzealous fans?
I wrote down every name I could think of, from the woman who broke into my house and handcuffed herself to my bed to the guy who sent me actual teeth because he thought it would bring me good luck. My former agent was high on the list, as was Mitch and a number of other overzealous people I’d worked with over the years.
But then there were the ones I’d wronged. Some I could name. Women like Lana, who believed we were more and walked away brokenhearted. But others were harder to identify. As Mac reminded me, with my level of fame, it could be anyone.
I lean back in my chair, exhausted.
I’ve never felt so helpless in my whole damn life.
“Right now, we’ve done everything we can,” my mum reiterates. “We’ve canceled your joint appearances. No one will suspect anything is amiss since your father’s illness was announced a few days ago.
“I’m not sure that was the best timing,” I mutter, immediately regretting my insincere comment.
“You know it couldn’t be helped.”
“I know.” I nod, hating that my mother has to worry about all of this while my father is slowly dying a few doors down the hall. The infection he had was worse than we thought, and he’s been bedridden ever since. The doctors say it’s just a matter of time. “I’m sorry.”
There was a time when I thought my mom wouldn’t lift a finger for me, and now, in just a week, she’s practically turnedBlackstone House into a fortress—more than before—as we try to find this stalker.
I’m not sure if I will ever forgive her for the past, but seeing her go to such lengths this week for her family gives me hope that we can work toward some future together as mother and son.
Rather than mother and heir.
“Have you told her?” Mac asks gently.
I shake my head.
My mom leans forward and, in a surprising turn, takes my hand in hers. My eyes quickly flick up to her. “You need to talk to her,” she stresses. “You can’t keep all this inside.”
“And she deserves to know,” Mac adds.
“Are you sure it wouldn’t be better to send her back to the States?” I ask. It’s a thought I’ve had on and off all week. Maybe if I can get her as far away from me as possible, she’ll be safe.
“You know what Lewis said. This is the safest place for her—for both of you, especially with the ongoing media coverage regarding your father,” Mac reminds me.
“I know you’re trying to do the right thing, but sending her away doesn’t solve anything,” my mother says.
“I’m just so scared,” I admit, despising myself for feeling this way. It makes me feel weak and inadequate. I’m sure that when the heroine in Mercury’s romance novels is in danger, the hero steps up and saves the day effortlessly.
But I’m not a hero in a novel, and this situation we’re facing is frighteningly real.
The whole world feels like a suspect, and apart from the two people in this room and a few others back in LA, I don’t trust anyone.
“I can’t lose her.” My voice cracks as emotions break through.
“You won’t,” she soothes, her voice soft and unlike anything I’m used to. It almost hurts to realize it can sound like thisbecause now I see what I missed out on during my childhood years.
But I’m also grateful to the woman who entered my life and helped break down some of the barriers between us.
“Thank you, Mum. I truly appreciate everything you’ve done to protect Mercury and me.”
She seems surprised by my words and shifts slightly, as if she’s struggling with an uncomfortable emotion. “You’re welcome,” she finally says. “It’s what I should have done all along.”
Mac receives a text on his phone, and every nerve in my body tightens. He looks down and then locks eyes with me. “It’s from Lewis. He might have a lead on your former agent.”
