“William.” Her voice makes me flinch.
Billy stops in front of me. Setting my bag down, he motions for me to stay where I am. “What are you doing here? I thought I made myself clear.”
“You didn’t mean it.” Her voice sounds closer.
“I meant it. Our deal is over.”
“But….” I think it’s then she spots me. “What is she doing here?” she spits.
“She has nowhere to go.”
“Bullshit. She’s got that ugly friend of hers. She just wants your money.”
I can’t decide what to do. I could run away, but I’m sick and tired of running. I could fight, but I’ve got none left in me. For once, I’m going to let someone else defend me. I just hope Billy doesn’t let me down.
“You’ve turned her family against her based on a lie. She’s got nowhere else to go. I’m letting her crash with me tonight.”
Only tonight.
“You hurt her. Scratched her eye and left deep scratches on her face.”
“Bullshit.” My sister hisses. “She did that to herself.”
“You know what?” He steps toward her. “I’m thinking you have a serious mental issue. You’re a compulsive liar, you attacked your sister on Christmas… it’s an issue I think the firm would be interested in hearing about, don’t you?”
“You wouldn’t.” Her voice sounds fucking terrifying.
“No? Try me. Who do you think they’ll believe?”
“Me,” she hisses. “As soon as I tell them you sexually harassed me and coerced me into being in a relationship with you.”
“You’d do that? You’d lie to get your way?” He pauses. “Of course you would lie about me just like you’ve done to your poor sister for years. Your mom still believes you.”
“My poor sister? She’s been nothing but a pain in the ass since the second she was born. Did I ever tell you I tried to kill her? More than once.” She laughs. “Mom thought it was normal. I’ve spent my whole life trying to get rid of that little cunt, and finally, I’ve succeeded. At least she won’t be there for Christmas, which means I’ll finally getallthe presents.”
“This is about gifts?”
“Things were perfect when it was just me. For three years, I had all their love. Then that ugly, fat thing came along and I had to share. Everything!” she screams this time, which causes one or two guests to open their doors and peek out into the hallway. No doubt they heard some of what she said. How could they not?
I’m starting to seriously worry about my sister. No joke, I think she’s psychotic. It’s a good thing I’m recording this whole thing. Clancy is going to want to watch this on repeat about a million times.
“Gisele.” Billy’s voice sounds calm. Soothing. “Just go home. Enjoy your Christmas. Get all the gifts. We can talk about this tomorrow.”
“I’m not going anywhere unless she leaves.” She points in my direction.
“I’ll go.” I bend to pick up my suitcase, but Billy grabs it before I do.
“No. You’re not leaving. You need a place to rest.”
“Rest?” Gisele snorts. “She just wants to trap you into a loveless marriage. I hope you wore a rubber, William. I’m sure the last thing you want is to reproduce with that redheaded toad.”
Since I’m behind him, I watch as Billy reaches into his backpack, extracting his phone. “If you don’t go. I’m calling the police to have you escorted out.”
“Way ahead of you.” All three of us follow the sound of the deep voice. I recognize the handsome man dressed in black police garb. His name is Rory Kinkade, and I graduated high school with him. “Gisele. It’s time to go.”
“Who called you? Did my fat-as-fuck sister call you?”
Rory glances at me and gives me a sympathetic look. “No. Hotel management. There have been some complaints.”
