Page 45 of The Gift
And then she turns to me, her confidence dipping slightly, her arrogance fading to nearly non-existent. Her eyes burn in a mix of reluctance and determination.
“So far they’re focused on the omegas because that seems to be where their issue lies, but also a lot of the most recent contact has focused on Bailey. Because she’s our beautiful face and all. Although, my name has been mentioned, as well as Ben. The three of us are listed on all the promotional information, so that makes sense. And it’s not the first time we’ve had Bailey targeted, but clearly Donnie believes that it has moved past the ignore stage.”
“Is it past the ignore stage?” Ben pretty much screams.
“An envelope arrived addressed to Bailey, via the station. It was opened by the mailroom, and management are now handling it and conversing with the authorities. The A-team are aware too.”
“What the fuck? What was it? When?” Ben keeps yelling, while I’m trying not to murder someone.
“Graphic photos. With a letter insinuating Bailey is at fault. The letter mentioned the three of us. I didn’t see the letter or the photo but the threat is being taken seriously.”
“Photos? Of what?”
“And I’m finding out about this now?” I snap out bitchily. A sudden rush of adrenaline and fear has me lashing out, jumping to my feet ready to fight.
She nods her head once. Her lips drawn tight, not even the smallest of apology escaping them. The longer she stays silent, the angrier I become.
“Carmen, that is… pfft, I got nothing,” I say, storming off from the group.
I can feel her chasing behind me, and I stop her with a controlled jab at the space between us, “Fuck off, Carmen. Seriously, right now I am in no frame of mind to listen to one of your or Donnie’s excuses. You’re both lucky I don’t sue you for neglect or some shit. And for the record, that is not how friends treat friends.”
“Bailey, I found out on my way here. I wasn’t aware either.”
“I call BS. Besides we’ve been inside that house, laughing and filming for four damn hours, Carmen. Plenty of time for you to bring it up before now, or is it you needed the footage before you told me? That would be about right.” I scoff again before I lock my lips together and ruin my friendship with this little ball-tearer in front of me.
“I’m with you one hundred percent. Exposé handled it badly. I was out of line too. But we’re all together, Bailey, here, we’re safe and you were smiling and laughing. Is it so bad I didn’t want to be the one to rain on your parade? Exposé has briefed the police, they have the evidence so they’re on it now. And straight up, before you bite my head off, there was no way I was letting you leave without protection or as much damn detail I could give you. Whoever is sending the threat is a complete whack job.”
“And you know this how? I mean, it looks like the police are taking this seriously, yet the station isn’t!” I throw right back at her, my anger isn’t something that could be misinterpreted, because I am seething.
“Exposé is. But this isn’t the first time you’ve received crap in the mail, including disgusting photos or letters from crazies.”
“So, you’re an expert on stalkers now? What gives you the right to judge what is a real risk and a fake one?” I say back, challenge and anger in every one of my words.
“Because they display the same manipulative emotions and are acting textbook like the people we interviewed last year. We all know the signs, and honestly, a few hours in that cottage with all of us together was not a problem. None of us were in danger.”
“Are you finished yet?” I ask, slowing down my question which makes it sound incredibly patronising.
“Not at all. I’m so fucking sorry. I handled it the way I thought was best. I had you in my mind. Clearly, I screwed up.”
I flick my chin up at her, wanting more besides the compassion and apology I read in her eyes.
“I have done a detailed and comprehensive run down of the mismanagement by Donnie and sent it over to Lennon. I’m prepared to stand up on any stand I need and say whatever needs to be said, because he did handle this wrong.”
“I’m glad you know that.” My lip twitches, still angry with her. At the situation too. Mostly her. Nah, I lied, it’s the situation.
“Your agent is a bitch. She’ll make sure Donnie pays. Apparently, the A-team did a full melt down on the situation too. Ashton had to be held back by Reno. Man wanted to use his fists to emphasise how poorly he managed the whole thing. One of the D-imbos screamed and burst into tears and threatened to call Donnie’s wife and announce how he likes to spend his lunch break if he didn’t look after us. Then she stamped her foot until he promised he would do everything to help.”
The more she talks, the more I understand why she acted. It doesn’t mean I like it, or I forgive her. But sadly, this really isn’t the first time I’ve been targeted, nor will it be the last.
“Good god, not one of the D-imbos. Which one?” I ask.
“Moaning Maddie.”
“Damn, I like her.”
“So does Donnie. Eats her out every lunch, oh, sorry I meant to say, they do dictation every lunch.” Carmen waggles her eyebrows suggestively at me, and I growl under my breath.
“Still mad at you.” I point my finger at her, but she nabs it, tugging me closer and giving me a hug.
