Page 95 of The Sound of Us

“Jesus Christ.” He snorted a laugh. “A bass player? You’ll be back on the streets in less than a year.”

“Not this time,” I said. “I’ve faced my biggest fear, and it didn’t destroy me. I’m going to be okay.”

He tucked the photos and papers back into the envelope. “How do I know you’ll keep your word?”

“Because I’m not you.”

“Fine. I’ll make the calls.”

“Do it now while I’m here.” It had to be now before the FBI andpolice waiting downstairs came up to ask him some questions. I’d finally decided that this had to end, and I’d gone to see the lawyers I’d worked with at the DA’s office who’d brought in the FBI. I just had to hope that my father couldn’t get to them the way he’d gotten to everyone else. Revenge had given me purpose, but it no longer defined my life.

I felt a weight lift from shoulders as he made the calls. It was finally over. No more dwelling on the past. I could finally look forward to the future—a future in which a police officer with a warrant would know to look for the brown envelope that would help take down my father’s company.

“It’s done.” He slammed the receiver down. “We’re done.”

I took one last look at the face that was an older version of my own before I turned to leave and felt nothing. No longing. No regret. No love. “Goodbye, Dad.”

“Dante.”

I stopped in the doorway, and looked back over my shoulder, raising my eyebrow in query.

“You’re just like your mother,” he snarled.

“Thank you,” I said. “That’s probably the nicest thing you’ve ever said to me.”

CHAPTER THIRTY-NINE“Dangerous Woman” by Ariana GrandeSKYE

“Welcome to Dante’s Darkness, the show where anything goes and you set the theme. I’m here with you when the rest of the world is sleeping.”

I quietly opened the door to the radio station and slipped inside, listening to Dante’s deep voice through my headphones. He’d texted me before his show to let me know his first blackmail attempt had been a huge success. His dad had withdrawn his offer for the building, which meant the station had reopened just in time for him to do his show. The only downside was that I couldn’t run my recycling story. I told him not to worry. The world was full of stories, and that one was garbage anyway.

He started off with an apology to his listeners for the brief hiatus and explained there were some changes happening at the station. I knew they would forgive him. His show was a balm to every soul that wandered the night, including mine.

“Hope is our theme tonight,” Dante crooned through the headphones. “Let’s kick it off with Surfaces’s ‘Take it Easy.’ You might recognize this band from their TikTok hit ‘Sunday Best.’ This track is a mood-booster that’s going to send your mind on an island vacation. We’ll follow it up with ‘Good Day’ by Mackenzie Bourg because that’s gonna be your tomorrow.”

Dante was alone in Studio A. I walked into Studio B across from him wearing nothing but my long winter coat, belted around my waist.

Five months ago, I could never have imagined stripping in front of anyone and letting them see my scars, but I was a different person now. I knew who I was and what I wanted. I was comfortable with my body. And I’d found someone I trusted with my heart.

Dante looked through the window and sent me a text.

What’s up, buttercup?

I came to keep you company.

Is it raining?

No, but it’s hot in here.

I leaned against the back wall of the studio and unbuttoned the first button on my coat as I fanned myself with my free hand. Dante was talking into the mic, his headphones on, but his eyes were fixed on me, a tiny furrow growing in the crease between his eyebrows.

I unbuttoned the second button and pushed the flap aside to show him what I wasn’t wearing underneath. The furrow in his brow deepened. I cupped my breast and leaned back, closing my eyes.

My phone buzzed. It was hard not to smile.

What are you doing?

You are generating so much heat in there, I need to cool off.

---