Page 92 of Down Knot Out
But the screen shows three missed calls from my editor, and a flagged email with a subject line that drops my stomach
Let’s Talk Timeline and Public Image.
My fingers hover over the email. The laptop’s keys blur as my focus shifts from fictional characters to the very real world intruding on the life I’m building here.
I tap the email open.
Chloe, hope you’re well. Need to discuss some concerns that have come up regarding your current situation. The marketing team has some questions about publicity plans, and legal forwarded this memo about estate issues. Call me when you get this.
Best, Jennifer
Attached is a memo from the publisher’s legaldepartment, its corporate letterhead fuzzy on my phone’s small screen. The language is worded to distance the sender from any actual human emotion.
RE:Author liability assessment - ongoing litigation or estate disputes involving contractual obligations.
The words swim together as my heart pounds through my entire body. They want to know about “ongoing litigation.” About estate disputes. About whether my connection to the Sinclair family causes “complications tied to high-profile family estates” that might impact my marketability.
My laptop slides off my thighs as my hands begin to shake, the cursor blinking left in the middle of Elena’s unfinished sentence.
Did Gregory leak to my publisher that I might become problematic? Is this some kind of warning? If I don’t play by their rules, they’ll ruin me?
The memo continues with bullet points that cut me down even more.
Public perception management during family legal proceedings
Publisher liability regarding controversial pack affiliations
Marketing timeline adjustments pending resolution of estate matters
Each phrase is a careful euphemism, a way to express their worry that my messy, complicated life might stain their carefully cultivated brand. They think readers might not want romance novels from an author whose real life involves scandal.
As I stare at the screen, the words blur together into meaningless shapes. The story that came alive just minutes ago, with Elena’s confidence, Marcus’s vulnerability, and their perfect chemistry, now seems distant.
How can I write about happily ever after when my own life keeps threatening to implode at every turn?
Sprinkles lifts his massive head from the floor, and his tail gives a single thump.
Quinn stirs at the sound, one pale brown eyeopening to peer at me through a tangle of hair. “Aunt Chloe? Are you okay?”
Her concern cuts through me. She’s so young, and has already dealt with so much in life. I don't want to add to her worry.
My fingers tremble as I close the laptop, Elena and Marcus’s story vanishing into digital limbo. “I’m fine, princess. Just some work stuff.”
But as I set the laptop aside and wrap the blanket tighter around my shoulders, the sinking sensation in my stomach says nothing about this is fine. The sanctuary we’ve built in this room, the family we’ve become, and the story I’m trying to write all feel fragile now, threatened by forces who see my happiness as inconvenient.
The phone rings before I can gather the courage to call Jennifer back. My finger moves to answer but freezes as the caller ID confirms my dread.Jennifer Walsh - Editor.
Quinn’s head lifts from her nest of blankets, sleepy confusion clouding her features. “Aren’t you going to pick up?”
I swipe to answer before the third ring, and I lift the phone to my ear. “Hi, Jennifer.”
“Chloe, thanks for picking up.” Jennifer speaks with the careful cadence editors use to wrap bad news in professionalism. “I realize the timing isn’tideal, but we need to talk about some complications with your upcoming releases.”
The afternoon warmth drains from the room, and I pull the blanket higher, seeking comfort from the fleece that still holds the scent of pack. “What kind of complications?”
The click of a keyboard comes through the speaker. “Well, the marketing team received some concerning information about your family situation. Apparently, there are some high-profile legal matters involving the Sinclair pack that could impact our publicity strategy.”
So itwasGregory. Or, more likely, his lawyer.
