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“Why did you do it?”
Since we have more than one infraction to deal with, I ask for clarification so we know where to start.
“Do what, Willow?”
“The angel investment. I didn’t need it. It ruined everything.”
Shane tenses beside me.
“We did it for you.” Shane’s hurt is obvious in the angry tone he uses.
I understand how he feels.
When we came up with the idea to help her expand before someone with deeper pockets came along and drowned her out, we were so proud. We did it because we knew her potential.
To hear we ruined her is like a slap in the face.
“I thought I was doing it on my own.” Willow mumbles to herself.
I correct her. “You did it all by yourself, Willow. We just wanted to support you.”
Her shoulders relax but she maintains her tight hold on the towel in her hands.
“It’s just—all of the money—and the press. It brought him to my door. And now he’s back.” Her lips tremble as she speaks.
My stomach sinks. Of course we opened her up to predators. How did I not see this? At the time, we were both excited she was getting featured and interviewed by local media.
“Tell us what happened.” Shane takes a step toward her and she straightens.
“It’s Dale. He came in here. He—he said he wants what’s his. He wants more money.” Willow speaks slowly and I have the heavy feeling he didn’t say just that.
“How much?” I ask.
“One hundred and fifty thousand dollars.” She says the number like it’s a death sentence.
She has no idea we can easily toss that amount at him tomorrow.
Shane shrugs. “So you don’t give it to him. Easy. Tell him to come talk to us.”
Willow lowers her head and I remember that look from the other night.
Shame.
“He knows—about us.” Guilt hovers all around her.
“So.” Shane shrugs his shoulders.
I wince as realization dawns on me. We are obviously missing the point from where we stand.
Willow has always been on her own and she’s trying to face this alone as well.
Dale took advantage of her once and he’s obviously punching down by going after Willow instead of us.
“What else did he say?” I soften my voice, catching Shane’s attention and he turns back to her, waiting for her response.
“He said I should ask my fuck buddies”—her features cringe at the term I’m assuming he used—”for the money. He said he might want to fight for custody of Annie if I don’t get it for him.”
Shane reacts by taking a step toward Willow but I stop him. Reaching my hand out, I grab his arm to hold him in place and his whole body tenses in my grip.
