Dimitri laughs. “Hell if I know. But Alana rescued me and my family from Russia and gave us a new life. She’s saved my friends from countless dangers and is single-handedly trying to take down an international drug cartel. For some fucking reason she thinks you and Amber are worth protecting.”
He pats my shoulder like he’s about to give me even worse news. “Now it’s time for your punishment.”
“Never seeing Amber again isn’t the punishment?”
“God, you never fucking listen, do you. No, that’s payment. The punishment is worse. You need to do a deep dive onPhantom of the Opera, the musical, the movies, and read the book. Alana expects a ten-page critique by the end of the month.”
She wants me to do homework. “That’s the punishment?”
Dimitri nods solemnly. “No. That’s the prep work for the real punishment. You will sit in a theater, by yourself, and watch a full production ofLove Never Dies, the sequel toPhantom. They will sing and act directly at you.” He leans in closer and I can seethe fear in his eyes. “It is the worst play I’ve ever seen. It single-handedly destroys thePhantom’s proud legacy.”
He pulls away and shakes his massive head. “I told her shooting you would be kinder, but she’s really pissed at you.” He checks his watch and sighs. “I’ve got to go.” He turns toward the doorway and calls back, “Do the fucking work and don’t be a stain on Alana’s perfect record.”
