Page 2 of Mafioso's Muse

Yes, she noticed these things.

‘Let’s begin with why we’re all here,’ Patrick said, referring to his notes. ‘As you’re all aware, there was an incident at Star Theatre on the 19th of July resulting in eight dancers being injured’—he looked up—‘yourself included, Miss Hayes, and the closure of the theatre for the remainder of the season.’ He paused and looked between the four of them. ‘We’ve been bombarded with information, and it’s our aim today to separate fact from fiction and determine if any disciplinary measures are required.’

Mary fixed her gaze on Vaughn. ‘The police are conducting their own investigation, and we will continue to cooperate with them also.’

Nothing changed on Vaughn’s face.

‘We’ve spoken with various witnesses,’ David chimed in, ‘and chose to leave the four of you to last, since you all appear to be at the centre of this.’

‘Why don’t we start at the beginning,’ Mary said, picking her glasses off the table and sliding them on. ‘Miss Hayes, please tell us how you and Mr Gallo met.’

Unable to help himself, Harrison spoke up. ‘It was the evening of the performance for our patrons.’ His gaze slid to Vaughn. ‘Mr Gallo here has been relentlessly stalking Miss Hayes ever since.’

Willow pressed her eyes shut.

‘Is that how you would describe our relationship, Miss Hayes?’ Vaughn asked, a hint of amusement in his tone.

She made the mistake of looking at him and instantly regretted it. Those liquid eyes had a way of turning her brain to pulp.

‘Why don’t we let Miss Hayes answer the question,’ Caroline suggested.

Mary looked over the rim of her glasses. ‘Miss Hayes?’

‘Mr Gallo did not stalk me.’ She reached for that first memory of him, so imposing and serious in suit pants and a light blue shirt that brought out the flecks of colour in his eyes. Those eyes had pinned her in place the moment she looked into them.

Was she supposed to tell the board members that? Describe how his voice had strangled all of her senses? Admit that it still did?

‘Go on, Miss Hayes,’ Caroline said, offering a small encouraging smile. ‘Take us back to the night of preview.’

Willow opened her hands and saw that her palms were already damp. ‘It was January 12, a Friday.’

Mary pursed her lips and leaned back in her chair, blinking over her glasses. ‘So we have a six-month timeline we need to work through.’ She drew a breath. ‘All right. Let’s get on with it or we’ll be here all week.’

Vaughn shifted in his chair. It was such a small movement, but Willow knew he had little tolerance for rudeness—especially when it was directed at her.

‘As many details as you can recall, Miss Hayes,’ Caroline said. ‘We’ll decide what’s relevant.’

Willow nodded slowly. ‘It was a preseason performance ofSleeping Beautyfor our patrons, and my heart was beating out of my chest…’

2

January 2024

It was Willow’s second season with Victoria Ballet, but every time she stepped onto that stage, the nerves were the same, equal parts terrifying and thrilling. Nothing compared. Preseason performances were no exception.

‘Five minutes,’ the stage manager called, his head appearing around the dressing room door.

Liliana Chén—or Lili, as everyone called her—looked over at Willow. ‘Are you trying to break the record for the most pins in a dancer’s hair?’

‘We take our wins where we can get them, right?’

Lili smiled. ‘Right.’

Willow checked her hair and costume a final time, trying to ignore the nausea swirling inside her. That was normal for her. She had learned to perform with it. ‘I’m ready.’

‘Gorgeous as always,’ Lili said, turning to face her.

‘Back at you.’ She reached for her friend’s hand and squeezed. ‘Have fun.’

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