Page 79 of Virtue & Vengeance

It didn’t take me long to find a duffle bag with the Empire Sevens logo in the hall closet. After stuffing the straps of cash into the bag, I searched for a pen and paper.

I found his letterhead on his desk and began to scribble out what I hoped would be enough to keep Zander from looking for me.

Zander,

Last night was amazing, but after everything that has happened, I need to move on. I need to start over. Please tell Aunt Kennedy I’m sorry. Let her know I will get in touch when I can.

I’m so sorry for everything.

Always,

Your angel.

I wasn’t sure if he would notice the missing cash right away, but I prayed that if he did, he wouldn’t hate me for stealing from him.

Sliding the strap of the duffle over my head and shoulder, I moved the note to a place where I was sure Zander would find it, and with one final look around his place, I bolted.

I couldn’t seem to stop the racing of my heart until I was outside Empire where I quickly found the nearest trash can, emptying what I had left in my system.

There were eyes all over me as tourists passed me. I hated being looked at. I was a despicable person.

One who stole from the man she loved.

One who was beaten and bruised.

What did the people think as they passed me?

Admittedly, I looked like an insane person in my filthy clothes, clutching a duffle bag as I puked bile into a trash bin on the street.

I couldn’t dwell on that though because I needed to hurry and leave. I expected Zander to come running out of the doors of Empire with his security detail right behind him at any moment.

He would be furious, and there was no way he would forgive me. I would find myself with Officer Johnson once again before they locked me up and threw away the key.

I wasn’t sure which was worse.

Prison or death.

When I crossed the street, I saw the black Sedan sitting in the parking lot of the Dunkin Donuts. I ran toward them and pulled the back door open before sliding into the backseat. I was out of breath, and I felt as if I’d just aged ten years.

“Did you get it?” Winston asked.

“Yes,” I responded without looking at either of them.

I was ashamed of my actions.

I was a thief.

Finally, I deserved to be shipped off to jail.

“Good girl,” he said with a smile.

Then he put the car in gear, and we drove off.

We ended up back at the hotel, and after we entered the room, Rodger pushed me into the chair I’d slept in the day before. This time he didn’t tie me up, which I supposed was a plus.

Winston stayed in the hallway as he made a call to who I assumed was Monty.

Somehow the atmosphere around the two men had changed overnight, and I had a feeling I knew why.

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