Page 81 of Beautiful Revenge
“If I were, that sharpshooter was a shit shot. Harlow had to have been the target. I was nowhere near her. I saw it unfold before my own eyes. The only reason she didn’t take a bullet was because she got hit in the head with a tennis ball. She assumed her ex-fiancé was behind it, but it doesn’t add up. He has no ties to her, her family, or her father’s fortune.”
“No, but if you and I know anything, it’s that murderers rarely use common sense. We also don’t know what else Humphries—the dickless little man that he is—thinks he can get away with.”
“You always have a way with words,” I mutter and stare down at the view of my staff working their arses off. The moment Dean gave me the all clear after their investigation of the area, we didn’t waste any time. It seems we can clean up from a shooting as fast as we can an abandoned wedding.After the week we’ve had, I’m adding a bonus to all paychecks for the entire staff. “Not only do I need to work on Turner, but also Humphries.”
“Maybe I should talk to Ozzy about this. I know he’s busy, but this is blowing up into something bigger than what we thought.”
“I said I’ll handle it.” I turn away from the window, shrug my jacket down my shoulders, and drape it over the back of a dining chair. “I’ve got to go. I’ll call if I have an update.”
“Yes, especially about Malloy. Prayers, thoughts, all the things ... blah, blah, blah. He needs to be questioned.”
I start at the buttons on my shirt. “Your priorities are always spot on.”
“I am the smartest Donnelly of our generation. If for no other reason, I deserve ice cream for that. I can’t wait to hear what happens next. You have turned our investment into a made-for-cable dramatic series. Maybe you should reach out to Hollywood when all is said and done to sell the rights. This should certainly entertain the masses.”
“Funny,” I say with a bite. “Don’t call me. I’ll call you.”
“And you’d better ring me soon to give me the lowdown on the Madison woman. She is in your suite, after all.”
“That’s the last thing I have time for. Tell the kids hi for me.”
I disconnect without a goodbye before my sister can ask about Harlow one more time.
I make one more call before I go to check on Harlow, and she answers right away. “Hellooo, Mr. Donnelly.”
It seems a shooting on premises doesn’t rile Felicity as much as a canceled wedding. “I’m checking in. It looks like the scene of the crime is back to normal—I can’t tell you how much I wish that was a figurative statement and not literal.”
She speaks in a hushed tone as if what happened was a secret. “Honestly, when I quit my job as manager at the mortuary to work for you, I thought I had my fill of dealing with dead people.”
“No one’s dead yet. Don’t jinx it.”
“Ope, sorry. Sorry! You know what I mean. Yes, but this was a close one, no?” I hear her low heels clipping quickly along the pathway.
“How are things going?”
“We are back in business. Or we will be soon. Guests have started to wander back outside for late afternoon activities. Rob is more than shaken, but I’m not sure if it’s from someone getting shot or hitting Ms. Madison in the head with a tennis ball. He came to tears while hosing the blood from the court.”
“Assure Rob that Ms. Madison is fine. He saved her life. He should be happy.” That turns in my stomach like a bag of rocks since I could’ve done more to save her myself. “Do you need anything from me?”
“No, sir. I have two hours before my shift ends. I just hope that poor man doesn’t take a trip to my old employer. That would be a shame.”
“Yes, for so many reasons. I appreciate you stepping up again. I have interviews set up next week for a property manager, but I also need to replace Marsha. Would you be interested in the event coordinator position?”
Felicity gasps. “Really? Mr. Donnelly, I didn’t expect to ever be offered anything more than the front desk. But there isn’t much difference between organizing a funeral compared to a party. I’ll do it—that is if you’ll hire me. And I’m happily married. You don’t need to worry about me and the pool boy.”
The last thing I want in my head are thoughts of Felicity and a pool boy. “I know you wouldn’t. Let’s make time to talk tomorrow.”
“Thank you, Mr. Donnelly. Taking a job with you has been the best thing ever—this shooting notwithstanding. It’s way better than working for the mortuary.”
“That’s a low bar, but I guess I’ll take it. Call me if you need me. I’ll be in my suite.”
I hear the pep in her step. “Don’t you worry. I’ve got it all under control.”
Since there’s no way I’m leaving Harlow right now, I’m counting on it.
My bedroom is dim with barely any light filtering through the corners of the curtains. Harlow’s on her side fisting the covers over her bare tits. Her eyes are closed, and I thoughtshe was asleep until she calls for me while I’m on my way to the closet.
“Dev?”
