Page 102 of Wicked Duty
But money and power are both a hell of a motivator.
I race from the guest room to the foyer, where Ryan Murphy waits. “Take me to the Gallagher estate.Now.”
Chapter 39
Lucy
My determination to hunt down Callum right away carries me for the duration of the drive, but as soon as we reach the Gallagher estate, I realize I might be in over my head.
The car pulls through evergreen hedges that must stand twenty feet high. After cruising down a long, immaculate drive that eventually curves, the hedges part to reveal an enormous three-story mansion, all brick and beautiful stone architecture. Expansive white-paned windows glare down at me like I’m being inspected by them.
This place is vast. An oasis of private gardens and real estate in the middle of New York City. How many people live here? Why do they need so much space?
Ryan remains granite-faced in the front seat as he banks toward a circular drive that circles around a beautiful stone fountain. I probably resemble a cross-eyed tourist visiting Hollywood for the first time, mouth hanging open while I gape out the window. This place reminds me of a fairy tale.
Except for the whole mafia, murder, and mayhem part.
We pull to a stop in front of a set of grand double doors that open to reveal Veronika.
Nika!
I nearly dive through the car window and sail over wide stairs to throw my arms around her.
“They told me you were coming.” She rubs my back. “How’re you holding up, superstar?”
A warm voice floats through the doorway. “Is that her?”
“The one and only.” Nika draws back to usher me inside this palace. A beautiful blond with stunning clear blue eyes beams at me.
“You’re Lucy?” She sandwiches one of my hands between hers. “I’m Harper.”
Her million-dollar smile throws me off balance. “Hi there.”
“We’ve been watching all the coverage of Runway Revolution, and we’re Team Lucy one-hundred-percent!” Harper’s smile widens even more after that comment.
“Oh.” I’d forgotten all about my little slice of fame and notoriety. “Thank you so much. I really appreciate that.”
“Come on, everyone’s dying to meet you.” Harper guides me inside. Though Nika is right here, the thought of spitting out my reason for coming when Harper is acting like such a sweet host feels weird. I’ll find Callum…soon.
I’m led into a large sitting parlor decorated with cushy leather couches and warm floral wallpaper. Towering bookshelves line the walls. Two women sit on a loveseat, sipping frozen drinks. A pitcher of frothy green liquid—margaritas?—beckons from the table between them.
“Lucy, this is Kiara and my sister, Riley.”
By sister, she meanstwin.Riley is Harper’s clone.
“This is the famous Lucy Marlow?” Riley’s voice is darker than Harper’s, softer, but just as friendly.
“Isn’t she gorgeous?” Nika’s shoulder bumps mine. “Our beauty queen.”
Kiara, a brown-haired girl with beautiful, sharp cheekbones, takes another swallow from her glass. “Modeling was definitely the right career choice.”
I almost laugh. “I don’t hear that very often.”
“Sit down.” Harper nudges me toward the couches. “I want to hear all about working with Marco Benetti. He’s one of the competition’s producers this year, isn’t he? They just did a spread on him inVogue, and I’m obsessed.”
Riley stands and grabs the pitcher. “Here, let me pour you one of my famous margaritas.”
Before I can blink, I’m sitting between Kiara and Riley, margarita in hand, listening to the cheerful chatter around me. Their instantaneous acceptance is unexpected and sweet. I only wish I was in the right headspace to enjoy the feeling.
