Page 81 of Power
“They know,” I repeat in a smaller voice. “Turn on the TV.”
“What?” I can hear a rustling of something, then Tash mumbles, “Oh fuck.”
“Yeah.” I can barely keep it together, there are so many things going on in my head. “The press has found me.”
“Shit, what do you need me to do, Reece?” I shake my head, unable to think straight. “Reece?”
“Um.” I swallow the lump in my throat and hold in my emotions. “Can you go and get Emily from school? Don’t bring her here. Take her to your house. I’ll call the school and tell them you’re on your way to get her. Please, don’t talk to anyone.”
“I’m already getting changed.”
“Thank you.” I sink down the wall, running my free hand through my hair and gripping at the strands. “Don’t bring her here.”
“I promise you, I won’t. Reece, how do they know?”
I shake my head as I lift my shoulders. “I don’t know.” My eyes sting from the tears threatening to fall. “Please, take care of my girl.”
“I will. Hang on, I’m about to go outside, let me check that it’s clear,” Tash pauses, and I hear her front door creak open. I hold my breath, waiting for her reply. If the press has found her, then Emily won’t be safe anywhere. “We’re good.” I exhale with relief. “Call the school and let them know I’m coming to get her.”
I nod and wet my dry lips, still attempting to come to grips with what’s happening. “Don’t tell her anything until I can talk to her.”
“What am I supposed to say, Reece? She’s going to ask questions.”
“Tell her I’ll call her when you get back home. Can you send me a text when you have her, and when you’re home?”
“Of course. I’m about to drive, so I’ll go.”
“Thank you, Tash.”
“I’d do anything for you and Emily, you know that. Stay strong.” She hangs up and I’m left sitting on the floor, powerless to protect my daughter.
I quickly call the school to inform them that Tash will be picking Emily up as there’s been a family emergency. Thankfully, they don’t ask any other questions, but I suspect they’re going to know rather fast why. Especially when the press camps outside the school to snap pictures of Emily.
My phone is blowing up with phone calls from unknown numbers. In my gut I know it’s the press wanting my side of the story. I need to speak with Bennett. I dial his cell. “Reece. Are you okay? Is Emily okay?”
“The security guard from the gatehouse is up here, he told me there’s press and paparazzi down there.”
“Where’s Emily?”
“Tash is on her way to the school. She’s picking her up. But, Bennett, what do we do?” There’s a long pause. “Bennett?”
“I can’t be seen with you at the moment, Reece.” My brows lift with his cold words. “I’ll send a car to get you and Emily, and I’ll have them take you somewhere safe where you won’t be harassed. But until I can do some damage control, I can’t be seen with you. It’s just not a wise move for me.”
Shards of ice pierce my skin, causing a small tremor to tear through my body. “You can’t be seen with me at the moment?” I ask in a small, eerily controlled voice.
“You have to understand, Reece, this is not good for me.”
A humorless laugh rips through my lungs. “Not good for you? Did I hear you right?” Anger is quickly replacing my worry and fear. “Not good for you?” I repeat in an elevated voice.
“I’ll have someone come and get you,” he offers.
“Fuck you! Not good for you? You’re sitting there worried about your job, but not giving a fucking shit about my and Emily’s lives. Fuck you!”
“Reece, it’s...”
“It’s Miss Maxwell to you,” I say coldly.
“Reece,” he starts again.
