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This isHunter’sRolex, the one he claims he lost almost a year ago. I’m obviously going to have to ask him to confirm, but it strikes me as odd that it should end up on his doorstep. Whoever dropped it off —correction:destroyedit— clearly has issues. How’d they manage to get past the gates without setting off the mansion’s new alarm system? Why such a violent method of delivery?
A chill creeps up my spine.
This isn’t some random prank by a wayward delinquent. This feels personal.
“Eden!” Samantha shouts, rushing back inside. The concern and panic in her tone turns my blood cold. “Eden, you have to run!”
I jump to my feet, heart in my throat. “What’s going—”
Before I can get another word out, the sound of a gunshot slices through the air.
Chapter 46
Tip #46: Anyone who hurts my family has a death wish.
HUNTER
For what its worth, tonight is turning out to be a lot of fun. I feel like I’m in my twenties again, the addictive buzz that comes with the excitement of knowing people are finally going to see my movie —something I have dedicated so many months of my life to— is a feeling unlike any other.
We rub elbows, take pictures, and sign autographs. Charlie and Annabeth have a much easier time with interviews than I do, though I’m glad I’m holding my own. It’s easy to lose track of time. The only reason the crew and I head into the theater is because a cluster of event organizers has to usher us inside.
The theater is jam packed. I can’t spot a single empty seat, save for the front row that’s been reserved for us. As we file down the aisle together to take our seats, I spot a handful of familiar faces in the crowd. Famous movie critics, other members of the cast and crew who I made sure received complimentary tickets, a handful of our most generous investors, big celebrity names, and…
Ashton Hartley.
He stands and steps out into the aisle. The old weasel wears a friendly, polite smile as he sticks his hand out to shake. There are a million eyes on us and just as many cameras, so I have no choice but to oblige him.
“I’m very excited to see this film, Stride,” he says with a hearty chuckle. “It looks amazing from what I’ve seen from the trailers.”
“Thank you,” I answer stiffly.
“A couple buddies of mine are grabbing drinks at the yacht club later this weekend. How’s about you stop by and join us? I know they’re all super fans of yours. We’d love to hear all about the upcoming projects you have coming down the pipeline.”
My eye twitches, but I manage to keep my smile in place. Subtlety was never Hartley’s strong suit. I’d rather lie down on a bed of nails than do business with him again, especially after the stunt he pulled a few months back. I don’t need flaky investors who are only interested in fattening their wallets. I need investors who have a genuine love of films, who are willing to put their faith behind me through all the ups and downs this industry might throw my way.
“I appreciate the offer, but I must decline. My schedule’s crazy. I hope you understand.”
“Perhaps I can have my secretary set up an appointment?”
I pull his hand towards me and watch him stumble forward. I bend down and growl in his ear. “Take the hint, Hartley. My answer isno.” I pull away and shake his hand one more time for good measure. “Enjoy the film,” I tell him before heading to my seat.
The house lights dim while the stage lights brighten. I’m expected to give a short speech before the presentation of the film. I’m just about to climb the steps when my phone buzzes. I know it’s considered bad manners, but I don’t hesitate when answering. What if Eden needs something? What if something’s going on with the baby? I step off to the side and give the event organizer an apologetic smile.
“Two minutes,” I tell her before walking to a dark corner and lifting my phone to my ear. “Eden? Is everything okay, sweetheart?”
“Ah, how adorable,” a man’s voice rumbles in my ear.
My blood curdles like sour milk. “Walton,” I seethe. “I’m hanging up.”
“I wouldn’t do that if I were you.”
The unspoken threat in his tone makes me shiver. “What do you want?”
“Did you really forget all about me? I’m hurt, Stride. And I’m over here thinking about my revenge day and night.”
“What the hell are you talking about?”
“I never paid you back for turning me into the police,” he says slowly. “I thought about it long and hard while I was behind bars. Your betrayal hurt me greatly, dear boy.”
