When you break girl code, p.33
When You Break Girl Code, page 33
Matt takes the phone from my hand and dials a number. “When you get the text for the account, we are going to put a trace to it. You’re not going to lose that amount, but we will track it.”
“I don’t fucking care about the money. I just want her safe.”
Mila
“He didn’t even pause at the twenty million. Wow. Maddie must be rolling in her grave right now. First, he dumped her for you. Now, he’s willing to pay all that to get you back.”
No, Alis didn’t even flinch when Greg asked for that amount and I’m holding on to his words. He would do anything to get me back. I know it in my bones.
“You already killed her. Why don’t you let her rest in peace?”
He taps me hard with the gun. Pain breaks at the back of my skull, rattling my head, and I have to hold on tight to the railing not to lurch forward. My leg buckles and I use all my strength to hang on.
“Just because he’s going to pay for you doesn’t mean you’re going to talk to me any kind of way. Next time, I’ll hit you harder.” He grabs my arm and drags me down the stairs. I am barely holding on. He pulls me so rough that I end up falling on my knees.
“If you move, I’ll blow your head off.” He walks to the door and looks through the glass window. “Fuck.”
I bow my head in silence. I don’t want to provoke him. My heart’s been beating so fast that it should give up any second. I force myself to breathe slow, channeling Alis’ voice. He’s here, so close. I want to see him again. I’m going to see him again.
“Where the fuck are you?” Greg’s voice makes me jump. “Hurry up.”
I peer up and he’s typing into his phone.
“Can I please sit?” I ask.
“Shut the fuck up.”
“I won’t look up, I promise. This is so uncomfortable,” I insist.
“So is a bullet through your skull.” His voice is devoid of anything. He’s talking about killing me as if it were talking about the weather by the water cooler. That’s how I know he’s capable of it. How scared Maddie had to be in her last moments.
And as much as I love Alis, and I want to be with him more than anything, I can’t give this fucker my fear anymore. I push back into my heels and sitting in the last step of the stairs.
“Why did you move?” He shoves the gun in my face.
“I can’t be on my knees.”
He laughs. “Hard to believe. He’s willing to shell twenty million on you. It’s got to be for something.”
“Money like that is something to you cause you’ve always been broke and have no way of making it. Isn’t that why you work for Grayson, because you can’t be his equal?”
The smile drops from his face. “You have a death wish.”
I shake my head. “It’s why Maddie had men like Alis and even Elias on her side. People with real money or real power. Not a mediocre marketing lead.”
His cackle is the most diabolical thing I’ve ever heard. “Look at you, dusting off the claws. I knew you had it in you. Madison did too. That’s why she didn’t trust you all the way.”
I rub my ankle, the pain starting to break through, and I can’t walk on these heels anymore. I remove them and rub my swelling skin.
“You keep talking about her but the more you say the more I’m convinced you’re making shit up. She would never have been with you. She thought you were an incel.”
He levels the gun at my forehead. “She loved to fuck me. She wanted everything I could give her. She liked when I tied her up.”
There’s a movement through the corner of my eye and my gaze snaps to it. On the other side of the glass window is Elias.
And now my stomach turns because I know I’m going to die. I’m not going to make it through this. They’ve been working together. I need to make a move because I can’t just let them kill me without trying.
“Finally,” Greg says, following my gaze. He turns toward the door. I take both shoes in my hand, push to my feet, and launch myself at him. I hit him with both heels on the back of the head as hard as I can.
He hits the wall and the door swings open. I take off running down the steps. The gunshot thunders against the wall. I don’t feel pain anywhere and keep running down. I only stop when something avalanches and drops headfirst on the landing. The thud so loud I almost slip.
Greg’s body is contorted on the floor. A ragged moan emanates from his body as his gaze shoots to mine. His eyes are wide and desperate. Blood begins to flow from the hole in his chest. Steps above us and I tear my gaze away from his body. I turn around, fully expecting to look at death in the face, but Elias is still pointing his gun toward Greg’s body.
“That’s for Madison,” he says, glaring and wild. “You took her from me. I was never going to let you live. I only got you in here so I could take you out. Fuck you all the way to hell.”
He squeezes the trigger and the boom rocks my entire body, my heart beating erratically. When Elias’ eyes land on me, I’m sure this is my end.
“Mila!” someone screams and I would know that voice anywhere. It’s Alis.
“I’m okay,” I say but don’t move.
Elias looks at Greg one more time, smiles, and runs up the steps and disappears through the door.
“I’m here. I’m okay.” I shoot one last look at the body on the floor, at the unfocused gaze fixed on me, and take off running down the last few steps.
“We’re coming up,” Alis says. “Are you hurt?”
“No, Greg’s dead.”
Dahlia and Matt move up the stairs, guns drawn. Alis is behind them.
“Elias killed him. He ran,” I say, passing the two cops and jumping straight into his arms. My foot gives out and I sag against him.
“I got you.”
I nod and my body begins to shake, and I break down because I finally feel safe again.
34
Mila
My temporary accommodations are messing up my reality. I look around the suite with the amazing views of Baltimore Harbor. The open floor plan with the dividing wall housing a fireplace and huge screen TV humbles not only the house I grew up in and every apartment I’ve rented, but also Grayson’s place. The fire is roaring, and the sun is coming in from glass paneling on two sides. I’m wearing a long sleeve cozy sweater, but I can’t seem to get warm. Because this is not my place and I’m only here because I’m afraid to go back to the unit and I can’t go Alis’ because…
Because Greg’s still fucking up my life.
“Mila.”
I turn to look at Alis and he’s closer than I expected. “I’m sorry, what?”
He reaches to touch my cheek. “I asked if you wanted something to drink.”
I lean against his touch and nod. “Tea would be good.”
He heads to the kitchenette and I hate how worried he looks. I pull the soft throw blanket closer to my neck and bite down on my nail but I for myself to stop.
It’s over. I need to shake this.
If only we could start putting this whole thing behind us. There’s still so much. At the East Madison Police Station, all we talked about was Greg and Elias. They wanted to hear everything over and over. It’s standard procedure but it sucks to repeat yourself so much. I hate to relive those moments.
Alis comes back with the tea and seats next to me. “Talk to me. I think it may help.”
I run my hands over my face. “That awful sound as Sandy hit the ground still echoes in my ears. I can’t unsee Knox bleeding on that elevator floor. I know they’re okay. I spoke to them but it’s there like Greg’s eyes, staring at me.”
“This is normal. It’s too soon.”
I reach for my wrist and stop. I have a rash from rubbing circles to try and stall the panic attacks.
He hugs me and we breathe together.
The media’s still at it. The requests for comments have only intensified after the police revealed how Greg killed Maddie and set off havoc in my life. How he might be responsible for two other deaths trying to get to me.
And this is all still wrecking my life. We’re staying at this hotel suite because I don’t feel safe at my place. I’m wearing new clothes because I don’t even trust myself to go in there. I expect another one of Greg’s surprises to be waiting for me. And what about Elias? He let me live but that doesn’t mean he can’t change his mind.
There’s a knock on the door and we jump. There’s a lot of security outside, but we still expect the bullshit. When the door opens, Dahlia walks in followed by Matt. There are dark circles under her eyes and she looks like how I feel. She sits on one of the armchairs, across from us. Matt takes the other.
“There’s going to be a press conference later today,” she begins. “The cap is going to update everyone on the investigation. He’s going to reveal Greg was the killer. We have been instructed to keep their relationship down to very minor details.”
“What does that mean?” Alis asks.
“We are not going to reveal anything that’s going to taint her memory or cause salacious fodder for social media.”
Alis and I look at each other.
“I like that. Everyone doesn’t need to know. She’s dead. Greg’s dead. It doesn’t help anyone,” I say.
He nods and turns back to the detectives. “Do you have any news on Elias?”
Matt presses his hands together. “No, but we found out how he and Greg got into the building and managed to evade us. They came in the vehicle of one of your employees. Carter Hill’s vehicle was found abandoned inside Patapsco State Park near a trail. Carter was in the backseat unconscious and bruised.”
My hand flies to my mouth. “Is it okay? Was he part of it?”
Matt taps his fingers on the armchair rest. “He’s stable. Greg asked him to come over and to help him with something related to his cat. “He forced at gun point to sneak him into GG. They picked up Elias on the way there. The kid is still scared shitless. He never imagined the type of person Greg really is.”
None of us did. He had us fooled.
“We are still looking for Elias but he’s part of the reason we came to talk to you ahead of the press conference.” Matt looks between Alis and I. “The captain will reveal that even though Greg killed Madison, he dumped her body in Elias Saunders’ yard.”
“What?”
Dahlia takes over. “After her meeting with Elias, Madison left his house and Elias went out. He came home to find her body. He’s the one that placed her in the alleyway.”
Alis lifts a hand to stop her. “That doesn’t make any sense. They were working together.”
“We thought the same thing. Well, actually, we thought he killed her and moved the body but we’ve since got video evidence from his neighbor. It corroborates Elias’ story.”
“Dahlia, you can’t believe that. They were working together. That’s why Elias killed Greg.”
I place my hand over Alis’. “When he shot him the second time, Elias said it was for Maddie. That Greg took her from him, and he was never going to let him live.”
“Yes,” Dahlia says. “That matches everything. Elias was going to be Greg’s getaway. At his place we found his bags packed and the cats in traveling cages. We are pretty sure the kitten’s hair will match the ones we found on Madison. We believe Elias went through Greg’s things and left the cats and everything else behind.”
“This is crazy. What did Elias have to do with Greg?”
Matt and Dahlia exchange a look.
“That’s part of another ongoing investigation,” she finally says.
“What the fuck does that mean?” Alis pushes to his feet.
Matt holds up a hand. “You’ll find out soon enough. Just know that we have warrants out for Elias Saunders. One for the murder of Greg Nielsen and the others related to tampering with a crime scene and moving Madison’s body.”
“If it wasn’t for him, I would be dead,” I say.
“If it wasn’t for him, you wouldn’t be in danger,” Dahlia explains, adding, “And Maddie wouldn’t be dead but we can’t say any more than that. Matt and I didn’t want you to be caught off guard.”
They leave us soon after with more questions than answers.
Alis takes his place by my side again. “This is insane.”
“Poor Maddie got caught between two monsters. I still have a hard time wrapping my mind around her and Greg. Why?”
Alis throws his arms around me. “I don’t know. Only one person knows the answers. The police need to find him.”
I close my eyes and see the hard light in his gaze as he held the gun. I still feel the gush of wind as he flew at me. A shiver climbs up my spine. “It’s not over yet.”
“We’re going to get justice for Maddie but we need to continue our lives. I’m glad Greg is dead, just pissed I didn’t get to kick his balls into his throat for what he did to you.”
His arms tighten around me.
“I want to put him behind us.”
35
Two weeks later
Alis
I pull up in the circle driveway and park behind my brother’s car. All the players are here and I don’t shake my head like I want to. I don’t want to spook Mila.
“You okay to do this?” she asks.
I’m not, but my father’s summons was clear. This shit is going to happen anyway, and we might as well get it over with. She, on the other hand, looks ready. Her eyes are clear and her face determined. She’s not spooked at all. She’s eyeing the house with raised eyebrows.
“This is a Rockefeller type of mansion. You grew up here, Richie Rich?”
I nod. “I did.”
“Wow.”
She only finds it amazing because she has not stepped inside or met the people who live here.
“Mila, I want you to know that nothing that happens in there is going to change my mind and I’m not letting you change yours.”
She laughs. “I faced a murderer that tried to kill me a few times and the whole internet. I didn’t run. This summons won’t make me run, either. Let’s go meet your parents.”
“You don’t know what you’re in for. It may get nasty.”
“It’s a rite of passage, Alis. We have to get through meeting them and then we continue our life together.”
I take her hand and we walk in together. Loud voices come from our formal living room. We make our way there. My brother throws his hands in the air and turns away from my parents. Our gazes collide. He shakes his head.
“Hello, everyone.”
Dad barely spares Mila a look and turns his fulminating glare on me. “What part of a family meeting didn’t you get?”
“I got the memo. I’m here.”
“With her,” he snaps.
I tighten my fingers around Mila. “Yes, with her. Get used to seeing her. She’s not going anywhere.”
“And this is why we’re here. I’m sorry, young lady,” he says to her. “I tried to shield you from this. Since Alis has no regards for anyone’s feelings but his own, now you have to hear what I have to say.”
“Let’s get on with it, Wessy.” Leila’s voice tells me her glass has been ready to spill for a while.
He glares at her. “I’m calling an emergency board meeting in the morning. I’m going to ask for you to step down as CEO and for me to be reinstated effective immediately.”
My mother gasps, and in the next breath, she is standing in front of my father. “You cannot do this. It will be a scandal.”
“It’s better than leaving the company in the hands of someone who is not going to put it first.” He tilts his head at me when he says it.
“You’re right. I’m not going to put the company first. I’m going to work hard for it as I always have, but it will not be the only thing in my world. I have new priorities.” I look at Mila to emphasize my words.
He scoffs and walks past my mother to get closer. “You see, Christine? There you have it. The reason I am making this tough decision.”
“Who says Ellison Corp has to be first for Alis to do a good job? He’s already made so many changes.”
“Shut up, Weston. If you’re not going to offer to run the company, you have no say.”
My brother laughs. “You do know I’m still a stockholder and part of the board, right? So is Leila. We stand with Alis.”
“If he wants me to resign, I can. I won’t be manipulated with the company anymore.” I take two steps toward my dad. “However, if you force me out, I’m going to sell my stocks and then I’m going to go create my own company.”
Dad laughs, shaking his head like he always does when he wants to dismiss us. “Who would you sell it to?”
I shrug. “Spencer Grayson. Isn’t your boss interested in acquisitions here on Luciana Island?
My question is for Mila. She blinks a couple of times and then says, “Yes, your figures look right and especially with the new spotlight on the Franklin project. Grayson can do a lot with that.”
“You can leave with your stocks and even if Leila and your brother follow you, I’m still the major stockholder. I would still have control, no matter who you sell to.”
He calls our bluff and I look at Leila and my brother and we’re at a loss. Mila squeezes my hand.
“You’re not a major stockholder without me, Wes.”
We all turn to look at my mother. She’s poured herself a drink and is looking straight at her husband.
“Stay out of this, Christine.”
“I… will not.” My mother’s voice fills the room now. “You will not disinherit my son. The company is his birthright. Weston wants nothing to do with it, but Alis has always worked for it. You will not take that away from him.”
Her words take the floor from underneath my feet. She’s never gone against him.
“This is my family’s company and I’ve worked forty years to build it.”
She sips like she has all the time in the world. “True, but it wouldn’t be what it is without my father’s money. Remember all those dumb investments that blew up in your face? When all your buddies convinced you to go in on one ridiculous investment after the other, my money bailed Ellison Corp out. I didn’t know then why my dad insisted on half your stocks. I know now. It is not a family company if it’s run by someone outside of it.”
