Page 111 of The Midnight Club

“Later, dude.”

Ori was soon asleepand didn’t wake even when the nurse came to check her vitals. When the door opened silently later in the afternoon, Ori was so deeply asleep that she didn’t even feel it when the visitor touched her cheek.

“So lovely …” He stared down at her. I did this. I’m the reason you are here, my darling Ori, do you know that? You weren’t supposed to survive my knife.

He heard voices outside and slipped out of the room, regretfully casting a last glance at the sleeping woman.

A doctor passed him and stopped. “Can I help you?”

The man looked at him without speaking and then turned and walked away. He strode out of the hospital and into the inky Florence night.

New York, one month later …

Netta grabbedher keys just as her cell phone buzzed. She smiled when she saw his name on the caller I.D. “Hey, you.”

“Hey.” Seth’s voice was warm, “How are you?.”

“Missing you. I’m just on my way to see Alex.”

“How’s he doing?”

Netta sighed. “Not great. He’s lost, Seth, utterly lost.”

She heard Seth’s deep breath. “Look, I’m going to fly down. Nothing’s happening up here. I think I’m needed there.”

“Always,” Netta smiled. “Hey, did you hear? Ori’s being moved to a hospital in Venice.”

“I did. It’s great news. I know Maceo is delighted; he called me last night. Did you know they got married? Right there in the hospital a week ago. Maceo promised they would have a proper wedding when Ori is well enough, but they didn’t want to wait anymore.”

“So sweet. I must call them. Look, when will you be here? Shall I wait?”

“No, I’ll be a few hours yet. I’ll meet you at Alex’s.”

“Okay, baby. I’ll see you soon. Can’t wait,” she said, dropping her voice, her meaning clear, and she heard him chuckle.

“Me either.”

Alex Milland had lockedhimself away in his Vermont mansion, torturing himself, remembering when Ori stayed here, remembering the night he kissed her. There had been something there between them, he was sure. At least, the half-empty bottle of whiskey at his side made him sure.

Damn you, Maceo … if you think I could hurt that beautiful girl … your beautiful girl …

He dropped his head into his hands.I don’t know, I don’t know. Did I try and kill her? Was it something I blanked out?Why was everyone else so convinced he’d done it— everyone apart from the police? And Netta. Yes, Netta thought he was innocent.

But I don’t know.Alex despaired; there had been times when he had experienced such violent jealousy over Maceo and his betrayal with Viola, only to then meet Ori. Why did Maceo deserve all the good luck?

“Fuck you, Bartoli.Fuck you!’ He threw his glass against the wall and gave a feral howl of rage.

“Alex?”

He spun around to see a shocked looking Netta watching him. “How long have you been standing there?”

“Long enough. Alex, this has to stop. You need to stop drinking; you need to talk to Maceo …”

“Why the fuck should I? He won, Netta, he woneverything.Sheis everything …”

“Alex!’

Alex stopped ranting, shocked by Netta screaming at him. She came to him, her entire body trembling. “This is not healthy, Alex. This,thisis why he thinks you stabbed Ori. The old if I can’t have her’ thing. Ori is not a possession, Alex Milland. She chooses to be with the man she loves,Maceo. Grow up and deal with it before you do something you regret.”