make sure you are safe?”
I wonder briefly if he knew that Liam watched Jeff and I last night. But then the feeling of shame fills me for even questioning him. Of course he has a right to watch over his investment. I now know exactly how Emily feels when she used to tell me that Louis sometimes makes her feel like a spoiled little girl—that’s just how I feel. I can’t even bring myself to look at him for shame. This man was gracious enough to give me a place to stay and I question him. I literally invited his enemy into his home and I’m the one throwing accusations around like I have a right to.
“Sara, you’re a grown woman and who you bring to your bed is none of my or anybody else’s business. My only business is your safety, especially while you’re my guest. I wasn’t concerned and I certainly didn’t watch the surveillance footage when the manager informed me of Jeffery Rossi being your guest. However, when I got confirmation of his departure last night and then my security team noticed a man carrying a woman down the hall, I had to make sure you were okay. That’s when I recognized your guest, William. And yes, I have been keeping an eye on the both of you since then.”
I finally look up to catch Louis studying me, no doubt trying to figure out why and how I got involved with Liam. I should be embarrassed knowing he’s been watching us, but I don’t care. I only care about one thing as I ask the question I fear the answer to. “Does Emily know?” I ask softly, trying to figure out what will happen once she finds out what I’ve done.
Louis shakes his head and I’m able to take a deep breath. Thank God, thank God she doesn’t know, because I have no idea how I’d get myself out of this lie.
“I wanted to understand and hear from you first before I do any damage to your fragile friendship. The two of you have not been on speaking terms for years; I don’t need that again. Sara, Em loves you and I’m not going to be the one to ruin your friendship. I’m sure you’ll tell her the truth about everything when the time is right,” Louis says, pinning me down with his knowing stare, making me feel like the horrible, worthless friend that I am. “I’m really glad you want to see that video. I was under the impression that Liam had a copy; I know his team of lawyers does. That footage played a huge part of the trial. Was he the one to tell you about that video?”
“Why did you just call him Liam?” I ask Louis, confused. I thought I was the only person to call him Liam, since his name is William. I know there are bigger issues as to why Liam said nothing to me about that video when I brought it up, but right now, my heart wants to know why Louis just called William Liam.
“Isabella, his late sister, used to talk about him all the time. She only ever called him Liam. I actually didn’t even know his name was William until he introduced himself to me in my office, maybe twelve or thirteen years ago. He came to teach me a lesson and rearrange my ugly face, he told me back then. He blames me for everything that happened to Isa, her life and now her death.”
I nod because I can’t argue with that. Liam hates Louis, no question about that, and after seeing that photo I can’t blame him. “No, he doesn’t know anything about the video. I don’t think he has much contact with his family, especially after Isa’s death,” I say, still trying to decipher how he can have no knowledge of a video that apparently was extremely instrumental in his sister’s trial.
“Why would his father not show him that footage?” Louis looks confused, which is a rarity. I don’t think I’ve ever actually seen him not be sure of anything. I’ve only once heard him lose his cool and that was the night Emily left him, right before his heart attack.
“I was just thinking that, too. I would think he’d at least hear about it from his parents or the attorneys on the case.” I hope Liam is not fucking around and trying to con me to get to Emily or Louis. It’s a