“Spoken like a man who hasn’t received a note,” Erik counters.
“You are all overthinking this,” Alexis breaks in. “This is a golden opportunity. Do we have any idea what she would say?”
I push my hands into my pockets. “Not a clue. The only thing I know is she wouldn’t hurt Tianna.”
“No, she wouldn’t,” Meg agrees quietly.
“Alright, if we know she won’t do anything to hurt Tianna, and I assume the opera house, we let her do her thing. Now let’s address the tabloid types that have resurfaced the issue with James and Christianna.” She shoots Tianna a slightly apologetic look before turning back to her notes. “There is also the matterof Spivey. He’s deceased and his death is under investigation, which is drawing attention since he accosted the three of you on a walk shortly before. On top of that, they are rehashing his article.”
“I’ve increased Christianna’s security, both personal and around the house,” Coulson says. “I pulled in Cade as a favor, but I am looking for a longer term fix.” He tilts his head to the man standing at the door with Ruiz. “I’ll also be putting someone on James and David to help with press control. We have reports their townhouse is surrounded as well.”
“Damn vultures,” David grumbles.
“Is there anything else we need to discuss? We are all aware of how to say no comment to the press.” Erik is direct as always.
Tianna’s voice is small. “I had hoped the interviews would buy us time, or get rid of this.”
My heart squeezes in my chest. The scrutiny was never supposed to intensify this way. I failed her.
I look away as Alexis fields her question.
“Tabloids will always take it to the lowest common denominator. The real news and socials are on your side. Your story resonated. The fact you’ve had a stalker to deal with on top of it and don’t know who it could be. You are the underdog and they will fight for you. I know it’s hard, but you need to take the long view. If this Dark Angel drops names, which some reporters are already sniffing out, it will shift again to the Thornes.”
Tianna takes a deep breath. “Okay, I trust you to know this. Should I be doing anything else?”
“Wear oversized sunglasses, keep your head down, and say no comment. Unless you get the bedroom question. Then go for the jugular,” Alexis advises, standing up. “Call me if you need anything. I’ll have my cell on.”
Chapter one hundred thirty-seven
Christianna
As we exit the building for the SUV, reporters are clamoring at the wrought iron fence. Flashes in the late afternoon light strobe from between the hedges.
“Christianna! Christianna!” The cries are easy to ignore.
Harder are the shock value questions. “Are you a victim or a black widow?”
“People around you turn up dead.”
I keep my head down, eyes shaded behind the recommended sunglasses as Ruiz hustles me into the vehicle. Cade heads to the driver’s seat, and the door closes on, “Where are Erik and Remy?”
We’ve been advised not to let them get a picture of the three of us together until the story turns on the Thornes. Alexis thinks it will be more palatable then.
I personally have doubts. We already did the interview together where we discussed the stalking. Technically we didn’t come out. They could come across as concerned friends. If you were blind.
I wish I could be in the car with Remy and Erik. I let my head roll back on the headrest and close my eyes. When I open them nothing has changed, but I remember what I’ve survived.
Surviving is exhausting.
Chapter one hundred thirty-eight
Christianna
Watching Meg dance is usually therapeutic, almost hypnotic. Tonight it’s not. She is dancing to music in her head, and it seems like it’s a symphony straight from hell. She’s racing, frantic, and I’m worried she’s going to hurt herself.
I came in to tell her the Earls were bringing dinner. It's a testament to how worn down we all are. Even David doesn't want to cook
Finally I move to stand in her way and she halts abruptly, sweat soaking through her leotard.
