Page 111 of A Song for You

“As you can imagine, this can’t get back to me,” my father says.

“The boss just wants his money back. And to take care of those responsible,” the shorter man says.

I listen beside the door, waiting for more information about what my dad obtained.

“The proof is in my safe. But I have the names,” he replies.

With that, I know. I open the door and stare him down. He meets my glare with a depraved smile on his face, winking at me before turning back to his guests.

“Dad, don’t,” I plead.

He opens his mouth to speak. I don’t think, only act, as he clears his throat, stands a little straighter, and says, “Catherine—” On autopilot, I aim the gun and fire, shooting my father straight in his open, lying, deceitful mouth. The blowback from the shot knocks me on my ass, and the shouts from the men as they descend upon me are the last thing I hear.

Fifty-Six

Cat

Only You by Cheat Codes

It’s been two weeks, and I haven’t heard a word from Jay. For the first twenty-four hours, I chalked up the lack of communication to him being busy with travel and seeing his brothers. But it’s been radio silence since. I have no idea how to reach him other than through calls and texts. I’m about ready to fly to fucking London and storm into his house.

I don’t even know where he’s staying.

This is complete insanity.

My calls and texts go unanswered. My emails. My fucking rants to the sky.

I’m supposed to be enjoying Paris with my family for Christmas. Everyone is here. They helped me move into my apartment. We’ve visited the popular tourist spots. The Louvre, the Eiffel Tower, even a trip to Versailles. And through it all, I’ve hidden my sulking, but I’m at my wits’ end.

“How’s Jay?” I ask my brother, clearly giving up completely.

Carter shrugs. “Haven’t talked to him.”

“You didn’t text him at all over the last week? It’s Christmas. Don’t you exchange happy holidays?”

My brother surveys me, his eyes narrowing. “You didn’t?”

“Didn’t what?” I scoff.

He throws his head back and guffaws. “Oh, you did? You so fucking did. Ugh, Cat, gross. He’s a manwhore.”

I swallow thickly, reining in the words I want to shout in defense of him. “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

He shakes his head and picks up his phone. “I’m going to fucking kill him.”

I don’t even care that we’ve been outed. Maybe he’ll respond to Carter. Although, if he does, then what does that say about us? Has he been ignoring me?

“Fuck,” Carter mutters, staring at his phone, his eyes wide and his mouth agape.

“What?” I ask, snatching the phone from him, expecting to see a message from my boyfriend. My boyfriend, who has been ignoring all of my calls.

Instead, I find a text from Cash. It’s an article with a shocking headline. Cash comes storming into the living room of our apartment, crossing in front of the picture window with a perfect view of the Eiffel Tower. “Did you see my text?”

“Warren Hanson Murdered,” I whisper, the words not making sense. “What? When?” My heart jolts. “Is Jay⁠—”

My grandfather walks into the room. “He’s fine, Cat. He’s okay.” He glares at my brothers and pads toward me. “He’s taken over the company, so he’s been busy.”

I can’t hide my confusion. Why would my grandfather know how Jay is? If he’s fine, why hasn’t he called me?