Page 173 of Rhet

“Rhet?” He walks out of the office, never looking back at me as I call his name.

* * *

As I rideup in the elevator, I think about last night and how different things were. It was raw, hot, and painful. I felt like I was being punished.

As the elevator doors open, I feel a heavy ominous presence coming over my morning. Maybe it’s because it’s cloudy outside, it may rain. Rain tends to make the day feel like that.

As I push the door open, I know something is definitely off.

Julian’s jacket is off as he stands beside Rhet’s chair. Rhet already has his coffee, and his cigar is in his mouth.

He’s peering over a folder with papers spilling out. He lifts his eyes to meet mine. I see something I’ve never seen in his eyes before. Hate.

“Good morning.” Rhet says his smile never reaches his eyes

I don’t bother to go to my desk, walking straight to the front of his. Rhet raises his head, the smoke from his cigar makes him squint. He rubs the bottom of his chin. Clearing his throat, he takes the cigar out and places it on his astray.

“Dante The Arrow Mitchell. This motherfucker was impressive. He passed 4700 yards 39 touchdowns, his passing rate was 175.4. He carried his college, Lakeshore U to the finals. Fucking impressive.” He taps his finger on a paper in front of him.

He knows, I don’t know how or what happened, but Rhet knows.

“Rhet, let me explain.” Every part of me trembles.

“Shut the hell up. Where was I? Due to gang violence, he was shot and it ended his career.” Rhet scratches the back of his head.

I look to Julian, but his face is cold and unreadable. I’m on my own.

“I hate when the news gets it wrong. I shot the fucker.” He hits the paper on the desk. “I thought he was dead. Like my brother.”

I can hear myself breathing, even the fast pounding of my heart is in my ears. My legs feel wobbly, and my stomach is churning.

“I think that honesty fucking saves time. I hate to waste my time.”

“Rhet, please. I tried to explain yesterday. Let me explain.” I step closer to his desk.

Julian sighs, leaves Rhet’s side and exits the room. The closing of the door feels so final to me.

“Let you explain? You had so many fucking chances to tell me. Instead, you lied to my fucking face.” He rises slowly from his seat.

“Rhet, please.” I feel the first hot tears slide down my face.

“Fuck you and your explanation. All you will do is spew more lies from those pretty lips.”

I swallow. “It’s not what it looks like.”

He laughs. “It looks like you fucked me over big time.”

“Rhet, that was not my intention.”

“Fuck your intentions. Did you or did you not send in the bid?”

I couldn’t breathe, my words are coming up short. “If you would just understand.”

Rhet opens the desk draw and pulls out his gun. He walks around the desk, pointing the gun at me.

“Rhet, please no,” I whisper.

As he advances on me, I step back until I’m pressed against the fabric covered wall.

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