Page 48 of Waste
“Okay, that covers future damage, but what about the present problem?” Drew asked.
“Well, I’ve prepared a release statement. Please check your email and respond as soon as possible. We have to control the narrative. We’ve also contacted the police, who refuse to comment, but we would require Shelley’s permission to mention that John Saville had attacked her. Your fans are all over social media. Some believe Jo; others don’t think you’re so gullible. But Shelley is taking a pounding, which we need to resolve,” Charlotte said.
“The situation is escalating,” Drew stated.
“Yes. The Mirry Moor interview is also being re-shared, but more around Mirry being snubbed by you. Most of your fans don’t like her,” Charlotte replied.
“Hell, I don’t either,” Drew responded, and Charlotte snorted.
“Sign off on what I sent, and we’ll release it. I’ve spoken to Shelley’s father, and they are preparing their own press release. For now, both you and Shelley need to keep your heads down,” Charlotte advised.
“I’ll send the statement back within an hour. Thank you, Charlotte, and we’ll talk soon.”
Drew hung up and accessed his emails. He scanned what Charlotte had prepared and agreed to it with a couple of minor changes. It clearly refuted Jo’s claims and stated that legal advice was being sought for slander and libel. Drew wasn’t too happy with everything, but they were doing their best firefighting.
Briefly, Drew considered pulling back from Shelley. While he wanted to know her, he wasn’t sure that his fame was good for her. Shelley had looked devastated when she’d read Jo’s cruel words. Such occurrences were frequent in the music world. Rivals were constantly seeking ways to pull others down. Shelley was so damn sweet; this type of thing would hurt her deeply.
“I know,” Shelley said from behind him.
Knew what? Until he figured that out, he went for distraction. “Are you okay?” he asked as Shelley entered the library and headed for the nearest chair. She settled into it as she looked around.
“I’m fine. Now that the initial shock is over, all I can do is pity Jo. Sadly, she’s shown the world her true colours, and they’re ugly,” Shelley said. “That article is a lesson in jealousy and pettiness. People will see that.”
“Glad you’re being strong.”
“Drew, I’m not a weakling. Just because I’m quiet doesn’t mean I’m a pushover. I don’t have to stamp my feet and screech to get attention. That’s not me.”
“Shelley, you think I haven't realised that? It’s what attracted me to you in the first place,” Drew replied as he sat opposite her.
“Stop avoiding what I said. Drew, I know you spotted Mary Worth in that mirror.”
“Who? Shelley, what are—”
“Don’t gaslight me, Drew. Just don’t! I saw Mary Worth very clearly, and so did my assailant. He fled because of her. What is your connection to Mary?”
Drew kept a puzzled expression on his face while he sought an escape route. He didn’t want to lie to Shelley, but now he was stuck. There was no way he could out the others, but he hated the idea of deceiving her.
“Let me guess. You know Ghoul and Mary, but are sworn to secrecy because of these Hunters. One of them helped you, too, and by staying silent, you keep them safe. Drew, I won’t tell a soul about them. I’ve not even mentioned it to Charlie. I don’t want to hurt them, but I’m so glad I’m not crazy,” Shelley said softly.
And that put the kibosh on Drew telling her she’d imagined it. Damn! Drew struggled to find the right words to distract Shelley as she continued to gaze at him with perfect trust.
He opened his mouth and then closed it again. Shelley had him cornered, and he couldn’t—wouldn’t—lie to her. Nor could Drew expose his siblings. Shit. Shit. Shit. Caught in a quandary, he’d never been so relieved when Charlie entered the library.
“That cop just phoned. He wants to meet with you. Told him you’d ring him back,” Charlie said, frowning.
“Did DI Wilson say why?” Shelley asked, sitting up straight.
“No, but he didn’t sound too amused.”
“Oh no. Do you think he believed Jo’s article?” Shelley worried.
“Don’t know, Shels. But the timing is suspicious,” Charlie replied.
“This is bad,” Shelley stated, and Charlie nodded. Drew was already pulling out his phone to call for legal help. Shelley wouldn’t be going alone. That was for sure!
Shelley
She longed to roll her eyes at DI Wilson and PC Simmons. Wilson was conducting the interview with PC Simmons as his sidekick. She could tell that neither of them liked her and that both were suspicious of her.
