Page 82 of Secrets in the Deep
Ethan: How did the woman pick it up and not realize it wasn’t a prop?
Zac: After her panic attack, she just said the prop is a similar weight and feels real unless you touch the blade. Sheliterally picked it up and the scene started, so she didn’t have time to inspect it. Or any reason to.
“You look mad.”
His gaze shifted from the phone to Emily. “You’re awake.”
“I’m awake.” She touched his hand.
He turned his wrist, slipping his fingers through hers. “How do you feel?”
“Tired. But no pain. Did I pass out?”
“You needed the rest.”
She nodded slowly. “Does anyone know what happened?”
“We don’t know how the knife was switched out.”
A small crease etched between her brows. “It’s probably the same person who attacked Preston, then Faye, right? The same person who rang the front and back doorbells of your house?”
“Possibly.”
“Maybe even my mother, if she wasn’t lying. Although, that scene wasn’t in the movie.”
He slipped a lock of hair behind her ear. “Don’t think about that right now. You need more rest.”
“Can I rest at home? And by home, I meanyourhome?”
Fuck, he liked hearing her refer to his house as home. “I saw your doctor in the hall a second ago. I’ll get him and see if he can discharge you.” He leaned over and kissed her temple before leaving the room.
He was halfway down the hall when he saw the fucking reporter walking toward her room.
“No.” Ryan stopped in front of him and slammed a hand to the guy’s chest.
“Ryan, right? I’m Shaun.”
“I know who you are. You’re not seeing her.”
“Come on. I heard she was hurt on set. Someone swapped out the knife?”
“How’d you hear that?”
“People like me. They talk.” He smiled. If it was supposed to come off as charming, it missed the mark.
“Get out.”
“Come on?—”
Ryan stepped closer. “Either you leave on your own, or I’ll help you. And I won’t be gentle about it. The camera will go first.”
The smile dropped from the guy’s face. Yeah, now he knew Ryan wasn’t messing around. He also wasn’t in the fucking mood for this shit.
“Fine.” Shaun straightened. “But Emily Prior’s a public figure. The storywillcome out, regardless of whether I get her side or not.”
He stormed back down the hall.
Ryan’s hands were fisted as he moved to the nurse’s desk and asked for Emily’s doctor to be sent in. He turned and headed back to the room. He was just about to step in when he heard his name.
