Page 603 of Call Me Baby 2: Side B

“what the fuck is happening?”

I didn’t even realize Raymond had picked up the phone. “She’s in my office. Send them up.”

The first hot tear cuts as it leaves,

burning a line down my cheek.

“Andrew—please, talk to me. Please. Did you do this?” I choke out, my voice cracking, and it drops to another desperate whisper. “Tell me you didn’t work with him. Tell me you didn't do all this.”

I look back at Raymond.

He’s looking at Andrew too,

but he’s smiling.

A sick, satisfied smile.

And that confirms my worst fear.

The rest of the tears come crashing out of me, sharp and hot.

"Oh, God," I shake my head,

holding my stomach.

“Tell me you didn't do this to me⁠—”

I gasp for a breath through my strangled throat, through the crying that cuts me from the inside out. “Tell me you didn't FUCKING DO THIS TO ME!” I cry,

my hands shaking violently

as he stares right back,

eyes still navy, yet dead and cold.

Now, I've given him everything.

My body. My I-love-you. My tears.

I've given him everything.

And he just fucking stands there,

watching me drown alone.

And the tears,

they just keep slicing down my face,

each one hurting as it leaves.

The door bursts open behind me.

Instantly, my arms are wrenched backward, my wrists pinned and squeezed in a tight grip.

The police are everywhere. “Allison Taylor, you’re under arrest for patronizing a person for prostitution⁠—”

But the rest of the world goes silent.