Page 69 of Brighter Together

“You owe this family. You are nothing without us.”

My fingers go cold.

“I drew the plans,” I try to sound strong.

“And whose fault is it we need them?”

I stare at the wall.

“You abandoned the family. We lost contracts because you walked out. Dad had to bring in freelancers. I had to pick up work you used to do.”

“You took credit for work I used to do,” I snap.

Another silence.

Lee’s breathing changes.

“You’re getting brave.”

Fear crawls over my skin.

I look instinctively towards the hotel-room door.

Locked.

Chain on.

Tommy next door.

He cannot get to me.

Not tonight.

“I’ll see you tomorrow,” he says.

Then the line goes dead.

I lower the phone slowly.

My hands are shaking.

For several seconds, I just stand there.

Then I lock the screen and put the phone face down on the bedside table.

I walk to the door.

Check the lock.

Then the chain.

I know he isn’t here.

I check anyway.

No.

I press my palms against the door and breathe.