Page 125 of Always Us

“Because they offered me a lot of money. I’m talking hundreds of millions. And they offered me access to a medical clinic that is supposed to have advanced treatments that the public isn’t allowed to have. Kelly has a family history of breast cancer. There’s a good chance that she or one of my daughters could get cancer, and if they did, I was told this clinic would be able to help. Maybe even cure them.”

“I don’t know if that’s true. I don’t think they have a cure for cancer. So the money and the clinic? That’s why you wanted to join?”

“They also promised me even greater success as a director. Not just money, but prestige. They even promised me an Academy Award.”

“But now you want out because of Harper.”

“Yes. But also because I found out this group is violent. I knew about the election fraud, but it didn’t bother me. I always assumed those things were rigged, so I had no problem making the fake videos and fake recordings. But I didn’t realize these people were criminals.”

“How do you know they are?”

“I did a video a few months ago to help boost poll numbers for Kent Gleason. You probably saw it on the news. It was a scene with Gleason saving a little boy on the beach. Anyway, the actress in the video figured out what was going on and threatened to tell the press. A member was there on the shoot that day and heard her say it. And just last week, I found out she was killed while jogging in the park. I know they did it. They had to get rid of her, just in case she decided to tell her story. Then a few weeks ago, when I told them I was having trouble getting Sean out of Harper’s life, they—”

“They what?” My anger keeps rising the more he talks.

“They sent some guys after him. They told Sean they’d kill him if he didn’t leave Harper alone. They beat him up and probably would’ve killed him that night if the police hadn’t driven by and stopped to see what was going on. Garret, I had no idea they took things this far. You have to tell me, are they always like this? Or were these just isolated incidents?”

I’m silent. He can figure out what that means. And he does.

He starts talking really fast. “I can’t be part of this. I need to get out. I need you to help me.”

“What do you expect me to do?”

“You got out. How did you do it?”

Does he really not know? You’d think he would’ve put the pieces together and figured it out. He made the videos that ruined my reputation. Did he really think that was all because of the reality show? To make me less popular with the fans?

“I was never in it,” I tell him. “I didn’t need to get out.”

“I thought you were born into it.”

“The rules have changed. That’s why they’re letting you in.”

“Could you talk to your father for me? I’ve tried, but he just keeps giving me the sales speech, telling me it’s a privilege and an honor to be part of it.”

“He won’t listen to me. I’m sorry, Kiefer. I can’t do anything. And frankly, I’m pissed that you’re even here. You’re putting me at risk and you’re putting Jade at risk. You never should’ve come here. You need to get out of my car.”

“But what about Harper? And what if they go after Sean again?”

“Why do you care about Sean? I thought you hated the guy.”

“No, not at all. I think he’s a nice young man and I don’t want to see him get hurt.”

“So if you get out of this, you’ll let Harper date Sean again?”

“I would do more than let her. I’d encourage it. Since being with Sean, she’s never been happier.”

“Then why the hell did you go and fuck everything up?” I’m so angry I didn’t filter my words. “Sorry. I didn’t mean to—”

“No. You’re right. You’re absolutely right. I got caught up in the money and the prestige and I fucked everything up.” He opens the car door just slightly. “I’m sorry that I just showed up like this. I’ll leave you alone. I don’t know what I was thinking coming here. I was just desperate. I sincerely hope I didn’t put you in any kind of danger. I won’t bother you again.” He quickly gets out of the car, then shoots over to the sidewalk and starts walking down the street.

I take off and turn down some side streets to make sure I’m not being followed. I’m not, so I head home.

Just when I told Jade this was over for good, Kiefer shows up and brings it all back to us. Shit.

CHAPTER THIRTY

30

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