Page 130 of Wicked Brutal

Ryan: roman answers to tremblay and tremblay answers to chairman

helpful

Ryan: processing pretty girl

My chest aches.

tell arthur

Ryan: already texting him

good

Ryan: do not dig for more. you heard it because they think you’re not listening. keep it that way

I know

Ryan: information isn’t worth you getting hurt

have to go

Ryan: text me when you’re leaving

I will

I hesitate.

love you

His answer comes before I can lock the screen.

Ryan: love you more

I tuck my phone back into my purse, wash my hands, check my makeup, and look at myself in the mirror. For the first time since leaving the house, I feel like I can breathe. Ryan knows. Arthur will know. The names aren’t trapped inside my head anymore.

I open the bathroom door and make it three steps before a hand clamps around my upper arm. Hard. I gasp as I’m jerked sideways, my heel skidding across the polished floor before I can catch myself. “What—“

A door opens. I’m pulled through it. The door shuts behind me. For half a second, I can’t see anything. Then the small overhead light clicks on and coats, garment bags, and wooden hangers come into focus around us.

My father. My stomach drops. His hand is still wrapped around my arm. Not holding me. Crushing me. “Dad—“

“What did I tell you this morning?” My heart starts pounding. His fingers dig deeper into the same spot as he pulls me closer.

“I—“

“What did I tell you?!”

“To behave.”

“To behave how?” The grip on my arm is so hard I can feel each individual finger.

“Pleasantly. Respectfully.”

“And?”

“To listen to Victor.”

“And?”