Page 39 of Beauty & Chaos

Great.

Mom told me to just listen andlet him get it off his chest.

I could only imagine what he’d have to say about Leo Taylor, whom he’d seen on the big screen for decades.

“He’s getting a Hollywood star,” I reply, hoping he hasn’t heard all that much.

Silence.

Shit, he knows.

“Brook—”

“Dad, please. Let me do my job.”

“There is no way Leo Taylor has done those things.”

I cringe as the elevator pings open and head down the hall. Coming to a halt, I stare at the enormous bouquet of roses sitting outside my door.

What on earth?

“Well, that’s what we do. We’re investigating it.”

“You aren’t the police, Brook. Don’t get involved in this. Leo Taylor is a powerful man. He could destroy your reputation and career. You could do the same to his.”

I swallow, pick up the flowers, and open my door. Dropping them on the kitchen counter, I pluck out the card and put the phone on speaker to keep listening to Dad.

And his lecture.

The one I don’t entirely disagree with.

Unless Taylor is guilty.

One rose for every orgasm I plan to give you tonight. T x

Blinking, I count the number of white roses and give up when I get past twelve. I definitely cannot think about this while speaking to my dad.

“... he’s connected to a lot of people in Washington and New York. Brian called me. He’s worried about you.”

Uncle Brian, as I call him, is my dad’s best friend. A fellow doctor.

Luna jumps up on the counter and sniffs the flowers. “Hey baby girl.”

“What? Brooklyn, are you listening?”

“Yes Dad. I was talking to Luna.”

“Oh. Hello cat.”

I start laughing. He’s always called her that, and it never fails to make me giggle. Then Luna replies with a bright meow, and I laugh even louder.

“Dad, I’m sorry. I am paying attention, and I do understand the risks. We’re doing thorough research and have sent people to the police to report the crimes.”

“Surely this is slander.”

“It’s not. We are well within our rights to discuss it and ask questions. First Amendment, remember. Free speech.”

“Barely. I’m worried about you, Brook.”