Page 104 of Faking the Shot

“One could ask you the same.”

“You work here now, huh?” he jeered. “Oh, of course not. You’re the one who got away with things while I was the one who carried the blame.”

“That’s because you were the one who seduced me,” she hissed.

“Not so loud. That was mutual consent.”

“You took advantage of me, and then threatened to tell everyone that you’d put doctored pictures all over the internet.”

“And your agent screwed me over. Killed my career. Until now.” He smiled. “Even you can’t stop me now.”

Dizziness threatened to overwhelm her again. He was right. Who knew what he might say? What he might post? What he might do?

He lifted his phone, then took her photo.

“What are you doing?” A different voice called.

She glanced behind and saw Diana drawing close. Diana held out her hand. “You need to delete that picture.”

“No, I don’t.” He frowned at her, like she was an annoying puppy. “Who the heck are you to tell me what to do?”

“Ainsley’s friend. Now delete the picture, otherwise I’m calling the police.”

“Whoa. Someone needs to relax. Maybe someone needs a good time, huh?” He leered.

“You wish. But I don’t. Delete it now. Otherwise,” she pulled out her phone, “I’m calling the police.”

He swore, then tapped the screen a few times and showed them his screen. No Ainsley. “Satisfied?”

“No.” Diana gestured for it. “Let me see your photo files.”

“I’m not showing you my—actually, sure, honey. You have fun with that.” He shoved his phone at her.

“Diana, we don’t have to—”

“Oh, we do.” Diana studied the phone, flicked back a few pictures, then handed it back, taking care to wipe her hand on her jeans. “You need help,” she said to Baden.

“I’m not the one needing help. I can help you, though. I helped Ainsley once.” He laughed.

Diana grabbed Ainsley’s arm and dragged her away, through the front door. Along the way they passed a few other men—and a woman—who gave double takes as they passed Ainsley. As they neared the others waiting near the van Ainsley started shaking.

“Ainsley. Come on,” Diana said. “We’ll get you somewhere safe.”

“I…. he…”God, help me. Help me!

“Ainsley?” Glenda called as Diana drew her near. “Oh, are you okay? We didn’t know where you were.”

“She’s not okay,” Diana said. “Some man inside was harassing her.”

“Oh, you poor thing.”

No. No. She couldn’t cope with their kindness right now. Not when she was to blame. For all of it. “I’m sorry. I’m so sorry.”

“Hey, you didn’t know that was going to happen,” Diana said.

“I shouldn’t have c-come,” she stammered. “I’ve wrecked things.”

“You’ve wrecked nothing,” Glenda soothed.

---