Vivienne stepped forward, her smile warm but tired. “Call me Viv. Everyone does.” She shook Kyle’s hand, then Charlie’s. “Thank you for taking this on. I know it’s probably not the most exciting assignment—babysitting a director who pissed off some keyboard warriors.”
“Not boring at all. Anyone making credible threats is worth taking seriously.” Charlie kept her voice professional despite the fact she wanted to fan girl all over the place right now. “We’ll make sure you’re safe while you’re here.”
“Thank you. Oh, and this is my assistant, Madison Pierce.” Viv gestured to the young woman.
Madison shook hands eagerly, smiling brightly. “Hi. Maddie’s fine. I handle Viv’s schedule, social media, correspondence—basically anything she needs.” The words tumbled out quickly, full of nervous energy.
“I couldn’t get a thing done without her,” Viv said. Maddie’s cheeks turned bright pink and her eyes brightened. She looked like she’d just been launched into the stratosphere.
Viv looked down at Flo. “And who’s this gorgeous puppy?”
Charlie grinned. “This is my new partner, Flo.”
“Sure, Watchdog, of course. Our bodyguard with your outfit in LA has one, too. May I pet her?”
Charlie let Flo know Viv was a friend, then nodded. Viv carefully presented her hand to Flo before scratching her ears.
“Good to meet you all.” Kyle gestured toward the conference room. “Let’s sit down and go over the situation.”
They filed into the room. Rowan pulled out a chair for Viv before taking the seat beside her. Maddie sat on Viv’s other side, and immediately pulled something up on her tablet. Kyle and Charlie took seats across from them. Flo remained alert, studying the three clients.
“As I briefed you earlier, Charlie,” Kyle started, “Viv’s been getting harassment for months, but the threat level’s escalated.”
Charlie’s jaw tightened. “Do the police know?”
“They do,” Viv said quietly. “But they’re treating it like fan mail gone wrong. Not taking it seriously.”
“We are,” Kyle said. “Which is why you’re here.”
“Can you walk me through what’s been happening?” Charlie asked Viv.
Viv took a breath. “When I was hired on as the director forBattleLorethree years ago, I knew I had a huge challenge. The books had a cult following—passionate fans who’ve loved these stories for decades. I should know because I’m one of them.”
“Me, too,” Rowan added.
Charlie nodded. “I’m familiar with the series,” Charlie said carefully.Understatement of the year.“The books are excellent.”
Viv’s eyes lit up. “You’ve read them?”
“Multiple times.” Charlie felt her cheeks warm slightly. “I was six when I first readSword of Embers.”
“Really?” Rowan asked, skepticism in his eyes.
“Alante tokentare,” Charlie said, bowing her head.
Rowan grinned as he looked back and forth between Charlie and Viv, who had a delighted smile on her face. Maddie giggled.
“Alante fendraken,” Rowan answered the traditional greeting, much to Charlie’s delight.
Kyle looked confused.
“That’s the Fae language from the books,” Rowan told him. “A true fan. That’s perfect. I take it you’re not a BattleLorrior?”
“A…who what now?”
“That’s what the fans call themselves,” Rowan told him. “BattleLore-Warrior. BattleLorrior.”
Viv turned to Charlie. “Since you’re a superfan of the books, I have to ask—do you like the show?” she asked. “And don’t lie on my account,” she added with a laugh.
