Page 113 of Back in Black

He didn’t have time to think about that much before Gillian said, “Drew, do you suppose—?”

“That the fire could be the work of a crazy little bitch, hell-bent on destruction?” He didn’t have any doubts. “Fucking-A.”

Brett scowled and, instead of warning him about his language, asked, “What are you talking about?”

“Ms. Millie Christian,” Gillian announced. “You know the photographer who was lurking around Drew’s house? Well, it was a stolen car that ran him down and killed him. The car was found torched near the river. And now someone torches a building? That’s a lot of coincidence.”

Audrey paled, and Drew couldn’t help but notice.

He sympathized with her. She obviously felt some sense of responsibility for all the trouble. “Sorry, Audrey, I know Millie is a friend of yours, but I think she’s the one behind all this, including the bomb threat.”

With a hand to her stomach, Audrey asked, “You really think Millie would do all those things?”

“Or have it done.” Drew gave them all the facts he had, including Millie’s rap sheet and history of violence. Things were fast spiraling out of his control. Fuck being calm. Drew knew he had to do something before someone got killed.

Gillian said, “She’s the one who leaked the story on Brett, isn’t she?”

Brett cupped his hand around Audrey’s nape, but spoke to Drew. “I assumed it was you, Drew. You made no bones about wanting to sensationalize my past.”

“If I’d done it, it wouldn’t have been behind your back.” He was not a chickenshit who couldn’t face up to his own decisions. “But I told you I wouldn’t, and I might not be Prince Charming, but I don’t lie.”

Looking dead on her feet, Audrey said, “That’s my fault, too. I was only trying to make Millie realize why someone like Gillian shouldn’t be singled out as a target. I wanted her to understand how hurtful that could be.” She rubbed tired, red eyes. “I guess what I said was enough to make her want to start digging. I’m so sorry.”

Brett lifted her chin. “You couldn’t have known she was so . . . unwell.”

Drew snorted. “I knew she was a fanatic zealot from day one. And a shitty reporter, too.”

“Drew.”Gillian slapped his chest, saying in a harsh whisper, “Knock it off.”

He looked at Audrey, so downcast and guilty, and Brett, so disgusted at having his private life flung out there for the masses.

Shit.

It’d be best to get things back on track.

“So, Audrey, I was thinking we should call a truce with WAVS. Maybe work through our differences and all that. What do you say?”

“I wish I could.” Mouth twisting with derision, she admitted, “I was . . . ah,escortedout of the meeting earlier today and told not to return. Millie sort of took over.”

Brett propped his hands on his hips. “That organization is important to you.”

She licked her lips. “Not as important as you.”

Brett looked flattered, but Drew thought,Screw that. “The group isn’t going away, and you now know that Millie’s not rational, right?”

“Apparently not,” Audrey said.

“So don’t you think you should regain control of it?”

Brett said, “It isyourorganization, Audrey.”

She put back her shoulders and looked between Drew and Brett. “If I still run it, my goals would have to be the same.”

“Meaning?” Drew asked.

“I’d want people to be aware of my objection to all violent sports.”

Brett held her shoulders. “And like I keep telling you, no one minds that.”

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