Page 86 of Nothing But the Truth

Leo’s fist didn’t unclench until the doorway swallowed Jonathan inside. He then turned to Lucy with glassy eyes and a lopsided grin that reminded her he’d had four shots of whisky in the past ten minutes. “How’s that for doing something, huh?” He threw up his hands like he was going to take a bow.

“Oh my god, Leo” was all Lucy could say. Violence was rarely the answer, but she had to admit that vicariously it felt pretty damn fabulous.

He chuckled. “Listen, I can’t hang, but I hope you have a great night. You’re a superstar, Lucy Green.” He kissed her cheek as if nothing had happened. “Happy birthday. Spend that money wisely.” He pointed at her with both hands as he walked away.

“Leo!” she called after him, already worried and envisioning the mess she’d have to clean up not only over the punch but likely another DUI too. “You’re not driving, are you?”

He held up his phone without turning around, then pressed it to his ear, she hoped in signal he was calling his driver.

And then he was gone as quickly as he came, took four shots of whisky, and punched out Jonathan Jenkins.

Chatter slowly refilled the rooftop like birds waking at sunrise, one, and then another, until everyone was chirping and singing. Lucy had half a mind to force everyone outside of her party guests to sign an NDA over what they just witnessed, but in truth, news of Leo throwing hands at Jonathan Jenkins would do a lot more for his reputation than giving a hundred grand to a charity—especially since Jonathan had just admitted to the bribe in front of a rooftop of witnesses.

A waiter appeared to sweep up Annie’s broken glass. Joanna turned to them, pale and looking nauseous.

“Lucy, I’m so sorry. That was... Well, that was mortifying on so many levels. I didn’t know he followed me here. I’ll go if you want me to.”

“It’s okay, Joanna. And no, please stay.”

Joanna numbly nodded like she was still processing the scene, unable to believe what all had just happened, and went back to the dinner table.

Lucy turned to Annie. “Are you okay?”

The shock on her face gave way to an open-mouthed smile. She laughed. “That was the greatest thing I’ve ever seen. Holy shit. I need another drink.” She stepped over the pink puddle at their feet, and Lucy was left alone.

But only long enough to look up and see another set of unexpected guests at the doorway.

“Mom! Dad!” she blurted.