Page 75 of If This Gets Out

“They’ve been let go,” says Erin.

No. No way. Keegan and Pauline have been our security guards for two years now. I am actually friends with them. I know about their families. I care about them.

“It’s become clear they’ve become too close to you to do their jobs properly,” she says, like it’s no big deal. “We’ve terminated Tungsten’s contract. They’re on their way back home as we speak.”

“We can’t even say goodbye?” asks Angel.

“We decided it would put unnecessary stress on you all.”

“You can’t do this,” says Ruben.

“It’s already been done. We’ve hired Chase Protective Services, they’ve come highly recommended. They’ll keep you safe.”

“Keep us prisoner, more like,” says Angel under his breath.

Erin ignores him. “Another thing. You can’t have visitors anymore. We can’t trust them.”

“You can’t be serious,” Angel says.

“Hey, don’t use that tone at me. We did this becauseyousnuck out. We trusted you and you showed us that was a mistake.”

A hard look settles in Angel’s eyes.

“I’m sorry,” she says. “It’s been a long day. Just try and behave yourselves from now on, okay? I’ll let you guys get some rest. Big day tomorrow.”

She gets up off the bed, and leaves. As soon as the door clicks shut, Angel gets to his feet and starts pacing.

“This isbullshit.”

“She does have a point,” says Ruben.

Angel whips around to face him. “What?”

“You were high off your face in an unknown city with no protection,” he says. “Anything could’ve happened.”

“Don’t start with me.”

“What does that mean?” Ruben shoots back.

“I’m just saying you have your ways of letting off steam.” Angel glances at me. “And I have mine.”

“Whoa,” says Jon. “Take that back.”

I cross my arms. Is that all I am to Ruben? A way to let off steam, to make it through this tour? No, Angel is just being mean.

“Let’s not fight,” says Jon. “Let’s just…”

“Be good boys,” says Angel, now turning on Jon. “Soyour dad can sit in his office and make more than each of us combined.”

“That’s not…”

“Don’t you think it’s weird thatyou’rethe one who wants us to be the best behaved? You’re just thinking about your inheritance.”

“Fuck you, Angel.”

“Ooh, so he does know how to swear, how spicy. I…”

An idea crosses my mind, and before I can really think it through, I get up and go over to the mini-fridge, then swing it open. I retrieve every single mini bottle, and then dump them on the bed, silencing everyone.

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