“Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. On behalf of the City of Chicago, I’m pleased to recognize Miss Kat Harrington, bestselling author of both the Ollie and Jinx series and the Lulu and Poppy series, for her dedication in helping provide funding, books, and other creative materials to organizations and schools in our area. Her generous donations and presence in our community has been a bright spot for so many children and families, and we are deeply moved by her continued support.”
She pauses and the audience claps enthusiastically as a slideshow starts to play. I hold my breath and then release it as Royce’s voice echoes in my ear.
“We should be all set.”
“Good work tonight.”
“After this, I’m sleeping for a week,” he grumbles, but I can tell he’s just as pleased as I am to have this one almost completely behind us.
“You’ve earned it,” I tell him before adding, “you all have,” as the slideshow comes to an end.
“It is my distinct pleasure to present Miss Kat Harrington as this year’s recipient of the Chicago Children’s Outreach Award.”
My eyes are locked on Kat as she makes her way through the crowd.Next time I’ll be able to attend one of these things with her.
Not as her bodyguard.
But as her date.
And more.
“We all get invites to the wedding, right?” Ozzy deadpans, his smile beaming from across the room.
Fucker.
But there’s no reason to deny it. Kat and I haven’t discussed it yet but we will. And I’ve never been more sure of that as I am the moment she steps onto the stage, the spotlights making her look like an angel. She’s it for me.
“Yeah, you’re invited but you better bring a really nice gift.”
50
KAT
Despite their best efforts, Portia sat in the interrogation room and refused to talk to anyone.
Except me.
The fact that she wants to draw this out makes my skin crawl, and for what? To gloat about killing her sister, making my life a living hell, and drugging her aunt?
Trying to do the same to me?
I want to walk away and not look back. I want to close this chapter of my life and move on without giving in to her sick delusions.
But would Hazel get justice? Would any of us?
Tom left the decision in my hands. Even with his clenched, he didn’t rush me or force me to go, just sat silently with me as I weighed the options.
Ultimately, I know what I have to do, my confidence bolstered by Tom’s presence and the fact that after everything that’s happened, I need to do this.
I can do this.
The right thing isn’t always the easy thing. That sentiment becomes increasingly apparent as Portia is brought into the room and takes the seat across from me.
Lips twisted into a smirk, she’s nothing like her sister, and I could kick myself for not seeing it sooner. I’d explained away everything—every change and mannerism—as being a result of losing her sister.
And it had been, just not the way I imagined.
“It’s too bad,” she starts, her arms resting on the table in front of her. “I was really looking forward to the dinner. Prime rib has always been my favorite.” Her sigh is almost wistful. “I’ve missed it so much.”
