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“That was what Gabby said in the beginning. Then, they wanted me to help Lauren with her ethnic characters. Gabby has been my head editor for years.

“When I got my rights back for my first two series, she was in my corner. She still gave me a contract for another three books after. I had no reason to think twice about that shit.

“I thought … I thought … I was so stupid. Lauren sold the publisher my story. If not for Kendra, Gabby’s assistant, I wouldn’t have known a damn thing.

“She read both manuscripts. She quit this morning and let me know on her way out the door that Lauren changed all the characters to white people but took everything else from my book pretty much word for word.”

“Oh my God. Does Gabby know?”

“Who’s fucking idea do you think it was in the first place to steal my shit and whitewash it?”

“Girl, you have to be kidding me. I’m so sorry this is happening. I hope their books catch on fire and the whole place burns down.”

“I want to be the one who lights the match. I’m having all types of thoughts about busting that bitch’s kneecaps and slashing her fucking tires. I need to put distance between me and the two of them before I act on these feelings,” I growl.

I don’t tell Kia that’s the real reason my office looks like this. It was the desk or Lauren and Gabby. I’m trying not to choose violence in this situation.

“I think I might have an idea.”

“Shoot. It can’t be worse than the things I’m thinking right now.”

“I just got off the phone with Kaye. They need her in Ireland ASAP for the movie. She’s taking Dae-Dae and could use some help while she’s working. She mentioned maybe asking you. I’m just saying …”

I look at my ruined laptop. It’s not like I have deadlines I care about. I’ll be coming out of my contract with Gabby and those thieving bastards before I sue their asses.

It might also be a good idea to get away from my real life before I start doing shit I shouldn’t. Leaving my world behind does have a nice ring to it. The wheels begin to spin as Kia’s words sink in.

“Ireland? That sounds like what I need. Seriously. I’m so mad at myself. I should have seen this shit coming from a mile away.”

“If I didn’t have Isaac, I would go to watch her back. Everything has been moving so fast. You know you can’t trust these people.”

“Preach. I’m so done with people. I’m not letting anyone else in. I’m tired. You and Kaye have been the only real ones in my life for years.”

“You know we love you. Besides, I have enough going on in my life. I don’t have time to be grimy.”

I wipe at my tears. She has no idea how grimy the folks around me have been. People have taken advantage at every turn.

I always have to keep my head on a swivel. The older I get, the less I get to be soft. My days of peace have come to be few and far between. It might be nice to take a break.

“I’m going to call Kaye and see if she wants my help. I need to get out of here before I hurt someone. Ireland is more than far enough away.

“When I get back, I’m going to make a lot of changes. It’s time to move from PA. I need a fresh start.”

I don’t tell her that I need to move because if I see Anika I’m going to run her ass over or something. Yup, I’m out of here. This has been an eye-opening day.

“What a fucking day,” I huff into the phone.

“Well, don’t let me hold you. I was just checking in. I love you, girl.”

“Love you too, sis. I’ll call you later and let you know how my talk with Kaye goes.”

“Talk to you later.”

I hang up the phone and take a deep, much-needed breath. Before I can calm my nerves and make the call to Kaye, my phone rings and her name appears on my screen. I smile and pick up.

“Hey, I was just about to give you a call,” I say into the phone.

“Are you sitting down? I have such a big favor to ask,” Kaye replies.