Page 149 of High Reward

“Is it true? Was he killed by the Russians?” she whispers, her face still ghost white.

“We’re confirming now, ma’am. But it is starting to appear that way.”

“No!” It’s a scream like I’ve never heard from this woman. Ever. “No! They can’t take my baby!”

She collapses to the floor as her team rushes around her. “This can’t be happening.”

“You!” She points an arm out from under the group trying to help her directly at me. “You fucking harlot. My son is dead because of you. And he was killed by the people who were supposed to protect him. If you had just done your job.”

I storm out at that point. It’s then that I realize the green room door is open, and I don’t give a shit. She doesn’t deserve to have this moment in private. Three reporters have rushed to the door and are trying to get microphones and recording equipment in to pick up at least some of the mayor’s meltdown.

“Well, that was exciting,” Hunter says when I reunite with him a few feet away. “Even better than I hoped for.”

“You’re sick.”

“I’m savage when it comes to getting revenge for those I love, Liliana. And since you’re now my wife’s friend, you’re going to find that out a lot quicker. What are your plans now that you’re a widow?”

I sigh and look at the ceiling. “Honestly? I have no idea. I want to stay here, but I feel like I need to leave and sort some feelings out so I don’t get my emotional mess all over Grace and Victor.”

“Taking time for yourself is important, but can I give you a bit of advice?”

I look at him somberly. “Considering I almost got your wife killed, you can give me whatever you want.”

Hunter laughs. “I appreciate that, but I’ve been encouraged by my wife to direct my rage at the people who are actually responsible, not you.”

“She’s a smart lady. What’s your advice?”

“Take the time you need, but don’t shut them out. Communicate that and don’t be surprised when they want youback sooner than you feel ready. I can tell how much they care about you, and I don’t want you to abandon a good thing just because you’re feeling messy. Life is messy Liliana. Extremely so. And when you find people willing to put up with your mess that’s something you shouldn’t let go of.”

“Sound advice. I’ll do my best to keep that in mind.”

By the time I arrive back at the club, Victor has packed our things into the trunk of his car, and he and Grace are waiting to take me home to his house.

I sit in the backseat and am quiet for the hour-long drive. Mercifully, Grace and Victor don’t push me to say anything. Instead, Grace leans forward and turns the radio on, then slips her hand into Victor’s.

I press my head against the cool glass and close my eyes, letting silent tears fall. When we arrive at the house, I remain silent as I carry my suitcase up to my room.

There, I pack up my meager belongings, then I pull out the cellphone that had been in the purse I left in the Pink Sapphire the night I met Victor—Hunter returned it to me a few days ago—and searched for a flight to Rhode Island. I found one leaving at midnight tonight.

That gave me eight hours to say goodbye and get to the airport.

Grace

Victordisappearsintohisoffice when we get home, and I can tell Lili isn’t ready to talk, so I let her retreat into her roomwhile I curl up on the couch downstairs and read a book.

My cellphone rings, and I hesitate when I see the name on the screen. Blowing out a long breath, I press Answer and lift it to my ear.

“Hello, Mrs. Novak.”

“Please, call me Trinity. How are you, Grace?”

I rest my book on the arm of the couch and sit up a little straighter. “I’m better now that I’m home with Victor and Lili. How are you?”

“Feeling the same way about being back in my own home. I’m calling to ask you a favor. A pretty big one.”

“I’m listening.” What could she possibly need from me? My curiosity is through the roof as I wait for her to speak.

“I hear that you’ve got a book that’s almost finished. I was wondering if you might let me help you get it published.”