Page 52 of Captive Ruin

“Yes, you have.”

I wait for him to say more—an explanation, for example—but all I get is a long, awkward silence.

“Is it accurate?” I prompt.

“Why wouldn’t it be?”

Fuck.

“Could you tell me why you’ve changed your mind? We’ve supported you since you first started working.”

“You have,” he says carefully, his tone softening for a brief moment before it hardens again. “But I’m not linking my art to a failing gallery that’s too small to get any clients.”

“What?”

Dread settles in my stomach. Now I know this isn’t a mistake. And I know who’s behind it.

Serranto.

Lucy didn’t meet him on Wednesday night. He’s had one day to enact his revenge, and he’s gone after me.

I close my eyes, grit my teeth, and try for calm. “Interesting feedback, Michael. Where did that come from?”

“Uh… places,” he says evasively. “Look, decision made. It’s not personal, okay?”

“It sure the hell feels like it.”

“Yeah… well… I have to look out for myself.”

The line goes dead, leaving me staring at my phone.

Sierra knocks on my office door, walking in with two lattes. “All good?”

“Not quite, no.”

“Then I’ll leave you to it.” She sets my coffee down on the edge of my desk, gives me an encouraging smile, and leaves again.

I stare at the door as it closes behind her. If this exhibition doesn’t happen, how the hell am I going to explain it to two hundred people? I’ve got enough for next month’s rent, but after that?

Get a grip, Amelia. You’re stronger than this.

I dash a sleeve across my eyes.

All right. What can I do?

I pull up Jeanne Quek’s number and reach for the phone again. It’s a long shot, but if she has a few extra pieces, we could cover the gaps. My fingers tap impatiently on the desk as the line rings and rings. Then she answers.

“Hello?”

“Jeanne? Amelia Anderson.”

“Oh. Uh…” An uncomfortable pause. “Someone told you.”

I know before I even ask, my world suddenly shown to be a house of cards. “Told me what?”

“I’m sorry, Amelia. It’s been made clear that presenting my work at your gallery will hurt my career.”

I close my eyes in pain.