“Simon.” Jude holds out his hand. “Nice to see you.”
My dad takes it. “I heard Edward’s son was back. I’m sure Harvard misses you. I heard they made you an offer only an idiot would refuse.”
That’s new information. I try to stay still.
“Yes, well,” He looks down at me. “I couldn’t stay away from my first love. Imagine, she thought I was dead all these years.”
My dad doesn’t miss a beat. “That’s impossible.” He tilts his head at me. “You poor thing, why did you never say anything?”
“Why, indeed?” Jude answers for me. “I think she was just confused, since Mom’s funeral was so close to the trial. It’s so easy to manipulate information ,wouldn’t you say?”
He smiles at us. “Yes well, that’s why it’s good to have friends to remind you of the good times and the bad.” He laughs like what he said is funny. “I’m glad you’re back in Lilah’s life. I’m sure it’s been pure torture imagining the only boy she’s ever loved being gone, though part of thisison you. Why didn’t you reach out?”
This! This is something I’ve been dying to know, so I’m suddenly invested, majorly invested. Jude shrugs. “I was in college. My dad said she didn’t want to talk to me and changed her number. I wasn’t allowed social media while I was behind bars, and I figured the person who put me there probably didn’t want to see me anyway.”
His smile cracks just a bit. “Well, the past is in the past. It’s good you’re teaching here now, maybe you two can ignite your old flame.” He eyes me. “How’s your mother?”
“Still an alcoholic thanks to you,” I say sweetly. “But next time she’s sober I’ll let her know you said hi.”
His face softens just briefly. “If you need help?—”
“Oh, I have all the help I can handle right now.” I point at Jude. “I really don’t think I’ll survive if I have any more of it.”
“Hmmm…” He eyes me and Jude. “Well, I need to go make the rounds.”
“Do that,” I say through clenched teeth.
I’m shaking. I toss back the rest of my champagne and try to jerk free from Jude, but he won’t let me go. He’s holding me firmly by his side. “He’s still watching.”
“I don’t give a shit. Get me out of here,” I hiss. “I can’t believe you’d pull that. I can’t believe it.”
“Really? After my years in prison you can’t believe I’d use every weapon, you included? You can’t be so naive to think after your little confession all would be forgiven.” He leans down and whispers, “Being beautiful doesn’t give you a free pass, Lilah.”
“You’re an asshole.”
“I know.”
“I hate you.”
“No, you don’t. You hate that you’re in this position.” He hands me another glass of champagne. “Think with logic rather than feeling, and you’ll see that by dragging this out nobody wins, we’re forcing their hands, his and my father’s. Or do you want to play their games forever? They’re covering up my mom’s death, they’re walking away without as much as a scratch while we suffer. Tell me you aren’t willing to do everything to make them pay.”
“The good guys don’t always win, Jude.”
He barks out a laugh. “Oh, I’m not the good guy. Sorry for the confusion, I’ll be more cruel next time in my delivery. I’ll use you until you break, Lilah, make no mistake about that. And when you survive, stronger than before, I hope you lead with a thank you and not a hate you once you’re on the other side. How’s that sound?”
“Like you’re a lunatic. I’m not a possession.”
“I know that. They don’t, but trust me, I’m well aware you’re not mine to give or take.” He adds cheerfully, “Ah, and look what we have here.”
A waiter walks toward us with a tray. On it: a red envelope.
“Was Harvard aware of your sins, or were you able to purge them with money? Watching. Waiting. The House of Cards will fall, and if you aren’t careful you’ll be caught in the crosshairs.”
She reads it over my shoulder. “If he’s in charge of the list, he wouldn’t warn you.”
I smile and look down at the angry black script. “I’m beginning to think I was right from the very beginning. What if we turn ourselves in?”
“What?” She shakes her head. “Turn ourselves in for what? What the hell are you talking about?”
