I’m desperate to call Maggie. She’s probably… I don’t even want to know. Anger may be best-case scenario at this point. Anger is better than hurt or apathy.
I left her to work with that scum who’s the real reason my life is in ruins.
I’ll fix it and help her out. As soon as I can, I’ll go back to help her. And pray I’m not too late.
As soon as the door opens, I’m up and out of my seat. I shove into the aisle but so does everyone else. It takes a thousand years for my phone to switch from airplane mode. As soon as bars appear I try to call Maggie, to explain the reason I left so quickly, and that we’ll figure it out together. My blood turns to ice when I see a message from Zebulund come through before I can do anything else.
“Call me.”
I can only stare at my phone for a minute. People around me shuffle and shove. When someone bulldozes me forward my feet finally get the memo. I have no choice. If I can help Maggie, I have to talk to him. I trudge with the flow and dial the man who’s ruined my entire life.
“It’s nothing personal. I hope you know.” That’s how he answers my call.
I have no idea what’s happening around me. Traffic pushes me out into a crowded gate waiting area. Zebulund’s heavy breathing and cool demeanor are all I hear.
“You’re kidding me.”
“Nature of the business. I had to teach her a lesson. Both of you.”
I have nothing to say.
“I get it. I was tracking you, getting information on you, and you wanted a reporter to help look into it. You went to the best. I understand.”
It sinks in. My hands shake so badly I can hardly hold the phone. Zebulund was tracking me, ruining me, long before Maggie ever entered the picture. I thought she got me caught up with him. That it was her meddling that made him do this. I’ve made such a mistake. I need to talk to her. Every minute and mile away from her feels like an unbreachable chasm. What if I’ve undone everything I’ve worked so hard at with her? What if that ice wall is back up between us?
“You need to leave Maggie alone.” My voice is shaking with barely controlled rage.
“She’s too talented. I need what she has.”
“No. You don’t. She’ll never work with you.”
“She will. She already agreed. Didn’t you hear? I used you to show her that she doesn’t have a choice in the matter at all. And I am sorry about that. You and I can be beneficial to each other. This doesn’t have to be the end of our friendship.”
“Friendship.” I stare at my surroundings, unseeing. I shamble out of the crowd to the terminal’s big windows. Outside, past the tarmac, acres of cornfields wave gently.
“I’m perfectly fine letting you rot. It’s too late for Viktor. The tide’s turned on him and he’s served his purpose. But you, I can still save your reputation. I can get people to do anything. Things they swore they would never do. Just look at the video I sent you to see my point.”
“What video?”
My head spins. I say the first thing that comes to mind while my brain processes all that he’s telling me. I hate him but a small part of me worries. What if I need him after this? What if he’s the only way I can help save my town and everyone I love? Even Maggie. What if I need him on my side to help her? Fuck. I hate this man, and the control he has.
“In your email,” he responds. I can feel him wrapping up the call.
“I can’t think about that right now.” My voice is dry and wrought with sarcasm. “I’m too busy racing home to try and save a whole town from bankruptcy.”
“Who cares about that town. You still have your money.”
Maggie was right. Again. His conniving and manipulation go so much deeper.
I make a choice. Maybe it’s the families racing around me. Maybe it’s seeing the lands of my childhood. Or maybe it’s because Maggie has truly changed me to my core.
“I wouldn’t work with you if it were my last option in the world.”
To think, one time I found his laughter genuine. Now it’s obvious mockery.
“That’s what your girlfriend said before she got on her knees and begged for it. Everybody has a price, my friend. I know hers and I’m learning more about yours. Finally. You were a hard nut to crack.”
“Fuck you,” I murmur into the phone.
