Brigit fixed a hard stare on Vanessa. “I had you pegged for a first-class bitch from day one, but you’re crazy.”
“You fucked up my long-term plans. I needed you gone.” Vanessa’s chilling voice sent a shiver through Brigit. “You got one swift kick because Colton rented those damned caverns for you. Ilovedruining your storybook evening by slashing his tires.”
“I could fucking kill you,” Colton growled. “You’re insane.”
A maniacal grin spread across Vanessa’s reddened face. “He wantedyouby his side at the gala. Your punishment? Another kick.” Hatred poured from her eyes. “That fucking piano earned you a third strike. But I unleashed my wrath when he took you intohisbed. That last blow should have finished you off. My only regret is not dumping you in the Potomac.”
Oh, my God!Feeling nauseated, Brigit clutched Colton for support.Lunatic.
Vonn dug his knee into Vanessa’s back. “Prison is too good for you. You’re a monster.”
“You’re an asshole, Vonn. I don’t deserve this cruel treatment. I’m Colton’s mostloyalemployee.” As Vanessa craned her neck around, her expression softened. “Colt, I stood by you from the beginning. I believed in you, did whatever necessary to ensure your success. I kept all the pretty ladies away. Butsheruined everything! Let me go and I won’t press charges. We can work this out, like two rational adults in love.”
Brigit whipped her gaze to Colton. “What’s she talking about?”
His lips were slashed into thin lines, his cheek muscles clenched. “I’d planned on telling you. Just not tonight.”
The tightness in Brigit’s chest returned.
“Vanessa sabotaged my business,” Colton said. “I never knew you contacted me until a few days ago.”
Brigit’s rubbery legs gave out and she clutched the sofa to keep from crumpling.
Just then, Taylor ran into the room with police and paramedics close on her heels. Her hand flew to her mouth. “Oh, no.”
“I’m Officer Henson,” said the taller man. “This is my partner, Officer Smith. What’s going on?”
“I’m Colton Mitus. We were attacked by a former employee.”
“Stand her up,” Henson said.
As if she weighed nothing, Vonn lifted Vanessa to her feet.
“Ma’am, is that true?” Henson asked.
Vanessa lunged toward Brigit, but Vonn yanked her back. Even so, Brigit recoiled.
Henson stepped between the two women. “What’s your name?”
“That bitch got me fired!” Vanessa glared at Brigit.
“Ma’am, I smell alcohol on your breath. Have you been drinking?” Henson asked.
“Fuck you.”
“That type of language won’t be tolerated,” Henson said, then addressed Colton and Brigit. “Why don’t you tell us what happened?”
Brigit explained how she’d been attacked over Thanksgiving.
“Is that what happened?” Henson asked Vanessa.
Vanessa rolled her eyes. “That man is mine. Case closed.”
Eyeing Vonn’s weapon, Officer Smith inquired, “Sir, do you have a permit to carry?”
“Vonn Savage, Mitus security. It’s in my wallet in the main house.”
Smith nodded. “We’ll need to see that. Have you cleared the premises?”
