Page 112 of Strings

Sebastian pulls me back when I lunge for her. I feel the vein in my neck protrude.

Bella takes a step back. “I have no idea what you’re talking about!”

“Ms. Pearson, did someone break into your apartment? Did you call the police?”

“Yes and no. I didn’t call the police.”

“Ask her why,” Bella says, thrusting out her chest proudly.

“Why wouldn’t you call the police?”

I glance back and forth between the officer and Sebastian, who slyly shakes his head to me. A subtle warning to keep my mouth shut. “I think this is all a misunderstanding.”

The officers gaze at each other.

“You see…” Amy walks toward one of the officers and glances down at his name badge. “…Officer Stanley, Bella has a thing for Sebastian and, well, Sebastian has a thing for Talia, and that drives Bella nuts, so she probably wanted her out of the way. She broke into Talia’s apartment last night and stole the earring. Her dad has keys to the entire building because he’s the CEO, so she probably hugged him this morning and casually slipped them out of his pocket. Came in here, planted the earring in the desk, then called you saying it was stolen.”

Amy places her hands on her hips and smiles brightly. She gazes over her shoulder to me. “Did I forget anything, boss?”

I smile back. “Nope. That about covers it.”

“That’s absurd. I couldn’t have broken into anyone’s apartment. I was with them both last night when we found out Talia has a rap sheet. Why don’t you ask her about that?”

One of the officers scrubs a hand over his face.

“Ms. Pearson, do you want to press any charges?” he asks.

“Yes!” Sebastian takes my hand and squeezes.

I sigh. “No.”

“Her press charges? Did you hear what I just said?”

The officers pick up the warrant and quickly exit the office.

Bella stomps her foot like an angry child.

“You and I need to talk,” Sebastian says to Bella sternly.

She rushes toward him and takes his arm. “I’m so upset. Can we go somewhere?”

“Give me a minute.”

She glares at me and Amy swings her arm open widely, showing Bella where she needs to go to leave. Amy closes the door slightly behind them as they exit.

Sebastian stuffs his hands into his pockets. “You’re still here.”

“I listened to what you said and you had a point. I’m going to finish the Gala tomorrow and then resign. Then I’m going to turn myself in to the police.”

His face is etched with concern. “What do you have to turn yourself in for?”

“I know things about my parents and the guys that are out for them. I need to come clean for once in my life. I’m tired of running.”

“What will you do after that?”

“I don’t know. I haven’t gotten that far. But don’t worry. You won’t have to see me ever again after tomorrow.”

“Why do you act like that would make me happy? It wouldn’t. You aren’t the only one who did some thinking. I’m sorry for what I said to you about Mercer. I know better. I’ve seen first-hand how scared you get around him. I know you felt forced to sleep with him to get the job. He’s a pig. If I could tell the world what I know about him, it would be a relief. But I won’t because I don’t want it to cause you more harm.”