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CHAPTER 12
“YouknewNickywasthe editor that tried to ruin my writing career?” Mike hissed. He felt numb inside. His mind was a fountain of confused thoughts.
“I knew Nicky worked for Paper Tree Publishers, yes,” Harry confirmed.
“I told you!” Gill gloated.
Mike stood rooted to the spot. He couldn’t believe that Harry had kept that from him.
“Why wouldn’t you tell me that?” Mike ignored Gill. He was barely holding onto his anger as it was. He feared dealing with Gill would make him explode.
“It wasn’t my place to tell you,” Harry pointed out. “And, like Nicky said, you never asked.”
“I’m asking now,” Mike said through gritted teeth. “Was it Nicky who tried to get my book thrown out of nearly every publisher I sent it to?”
“No,” Harry said, stopped, and corrected himself. “Well, yes.”
“What is it, Harry!” Mike seethed. “Yes or no?”
“It’s not as simple as yes or no.” Harry’s eyes narrowed as he turned them on Gill. “Is it, Gill?”
“I have no idea what you’re talking about, Harry!” Gill told him and looked innocently at Mike. “I’m sorry this happened, darling.”
“No, you’re not!” Harry hissed. “You want the truth, Mike?” His eyes turned stormy as he looked at Mike.
“That would be good.” Mike nodded.
“The first time you and Gill broke up, she put together this scheme to get you back,” Harry told him.
Mike’s brow knitted into a tight frown as his gaze dropped to Gill, who glared at Harry.
“Is there something you want to tell me, Gill?” Mike asked her.
“No, but your friend here is trying to drive a bigger wedge between us with more of his lies,” Gill said in despair, her eyes filled with crocodile tears as she faced Mike. “Don’t you see they just want you to hate me?”
“Oh, you pretty much did that to yourself,” Harry informed her. “I spoke to your father after my brother nearly went bust because you withdrew the investment funds.”
“My father did that,” Gill stuck to her story.
“Should we call your father and his bank manager?” Harry pulled out his phone. “I’m sure we can conference them in.” His eyes narrowed dangerously. “You were trying to make every publisher Mike had sent his books to turn him down. Only, you knew that my brother wouldn’t bend to your threats. You knew he and your father were working on a deal to amalgamate the two companies and that Paul wanted to publish Mike’s book. So, you tried to sink Paul’s business.” He shook his. “You couldn’t have any publishing house take Mike’s book. You wanted to swoop in at the last minute and publish it so Mike would be forever grateful to you.”
“That’s a lie!” Gill hissed. “Don’t believe him, darling.”
“Oh really?” Harry said. “Nicky may have written the review and turned your book down.” He looked at Mike. “It was Gill thatforcedNicky with the threat of Nicky losing her job and ending Nicky’s career if she didn’t.”
“Is that true?” Mike’s heart lurched, and anger boiled through him as he met Gill’s wide eyes, and he could see, without her having to answer, everything Harry said was true.
“I did it for you!” Gill told him. “For us!”
“No, Gill, you did it foryou!” Mike sneered. “I think you should leave.”
“Mike, please, listen to me.” Gill pleaded.
“Go!” Mike pointed at the door. His jaw clenched so tight a muscle ticked at the side. “And please don’t ever come back because you’re not welcome here.”
Gill gasped. “You’re making a big mistake!” She growled. “And good luck with little miss stuck-up Nicky.” Her lip curled nastily. “But maybe you two deserve each other.”
“Leave!” Harry’s voice was laced with warning.
