“There are no versions; the truth is the truth.”Both women found that assertion hilarious although they were polite enough not to actually laugh.“What?”
“If someone was to interview the three of us about this conversation, the three accounts would not be the same,” Honey said.“That’s part of what makes my job vital.Perspective matters.As do the facts we can prove.The Raiths may not endorse whatever we put out there.”
“I guarantee they won’t.”
“If they punch back, we need to ensure you’re protected,” Roxie said.“Zairn’s already in touch with Spencer’s lawyer.Z and Cam will sit with prospective counsel later this afternoon.”
“Prospective counsel?Lawyers?”
“Roxie’s right, you need to employ someone to protect your interests.”
“I don’t have interests.And I don’t have the money to—”
“Don’t think about money,” Roxie said.“Even if it’s decided we need division from the Colliers, Zairn and I have no problem taking on a fight.”
“Why do we need division?”
“Neutrality of the press,” Honey said.“We can’t deny that you worked for Camden Collier because, well, you’re here.But it doesn’t automatically follow that he’s an invested party.If we need the Colliers driving this, their perceived impartiality could be important.”
Roxie’s lips twisted before she spoke.“Uh… That ship may have sailed.”
“Ariella, who knows about you and Cam?”
“There is no—we didn’t—Cam is my friend.”
“A friendly relationship with your boss,” Honey said, whether she believed it or not.“Friends is okay, he’s far from the complex.”
“Their friendship explains mine and Z’s connection.”
“Yes,” Honey agreed.“You are aware this could get—”
“Rocky?Please, girl, I’m a walking crisis event.My elbows are out, my nails are sharp, don’t worry about me.I eat this stuff for breakfast.”
“Could be a fool’s errand.”Honey inhaled.“The world knows how close you and Zairn are to the Colliers.”
“It doesn’t matter,” Roxie said.“Cam won’t want to be neutral.He’s… beyond neutral.”
She had no idea what that meant.
“Makes things easier, no one has to temper their words.Though motivations and bias will work against you if it descends into all-out war.That said, the Colliers are your backbone.”
“Could be needed with the Raiths.Might has to meet might.”
“Has Tripp called—”
“Yeah, but timing will be crucial.We’re biding it for now.”
“Stocking the arsenal.”Honey nodded.“Good.Hold off as long as you can.The second this gets litigious—”
“Litigious?”Ariella interjected.“I don’t want to go to court.”
“You won’t have to,” Roxie said.“Zairn and Cam will put together a great legal team for you.They’ll handle everything.”
“Legal team?”
“Sorry, you wanted to take it slow,” Honey said.“We’re going too fast.Skipping steps.”
“Sorry, yes, Ariella.Slow.Fifteen.Studying.”
