Gilt_ By Invitation Only - Geneva Lee Page 0,62
of bliss I’ve been promised. This is like a bad Vietnam flashback.
“Pawn star!” Hugo calls to me. “Did you miss me?”
“Like I missed the stomach flu,” I respond with a grimace.
Hugo ditches the girl hanging off of him and wanders closer. “I see you traded up but I suppose damaged goods can be bought at a reduced price.”
“I’d advise you to shut the fuck up before Jameson hears you.” I’m through with his insults.
His mocking attitude evaporates and he takes a menacing step closer. “You have to do more than screw yourself into this crowd. I thought you figured that out when I left you there after that night, but since you didn’t let me make it clear. You don’t get to speak to us like that.”
“Why, because the Housers always win?” I ask.
“Because you’re trash.”
“Sticks and stones Hugo,” I say with a sigh. “If you’ll excuse me I feel the need to throw up now.” I turn on my heel and walk away my hands balling into fists at my side. If today has taught me anything is that’s violence isn’t the answer, even if it would be very satisfying.
“He’s going to see through you,” Hugo calls after me. “Just like Jonas. Just like the rest of us.”
I refuse to turn around and acknowledge the last comment even as it sticks in my back. Knowing something isn’t true on a rational level doesn’t always make it hurt less. I escort myself back to the entrance. The last time I walked around here unchaperoned bad things happened, but I’m not about to stand there and let Hugo hurl abuse at me. Crossing my arms over my chest I lean against the marble wall and wait for Jameson to return. After a few minutes I send him a text but I get no response.
I’m just about to head back into the chaos when the elevator slides open. Detective Mackey strides out, zeroing in on me. “Ms. Southerly.”
I force a smile that’s not fooling anyone.
“Are you here with Jameson West?” she asks.
I’m not sure how to answer that but it’s not like I can hide the truth. “Yes.”
“It sounds like there are quite a few people here with Jameson West.” She cocks her head as if she’s listening to the music. “We just got here,” I rush to explain. It can’t look good to be having a party on the one week anniversary of murder but I can tell from the calculated look on her face that she’s not interested in my excuses.
“Where can we find him?” she asks me.
“What do you want with him?” I make a mental note to get the name of Jameson’s lawyer and put it on my speed dial.
She pulls an envelope from her bag. “It’s private business.”
“I think he’s with his sister,” I say finally “or at least he’s looking for her.”
“So then this is Monroe’s idea of grieving?” Mackey guesses.
For no explicable reason I find myself growing defensive. “She’s had a bit of a rough week.”
“Emma.” Mackey leans forward and lowers her voice to a conspiratorial whisper. “Don’t try to excuse their behavior. Stay above it.”
Is that what she thinks of me that I’m above all of this? Jameson must have been right when he said she didn’t suspect me but the fact does nothing to soothe me. The only way I can stay above this is with Jameson by my side doing the same, but he’s not here.
“Excuse us,” she waves on the officer waiting behind her. “We need to find your boyfriend.”
I guess news travels fast. Then again with any luck the beginnings of our first sex tape have already made it onto YouTube.” I slam my fist against the wall, remembering too late that it’s marble. Clutching it, I groan. Then I hurry after her. Whatever Jameson has to face tonight, he won’t do it alone. I catch up with her just as she finds him arguing with Monroe.
“Excuse me Mr. West perhaps we can speak somewhere privately,” Detective Mackey interrupts. Both Wests fall silent immediately and stare at her.
Jameson’s eyes dart to mine over her shoulder. “Take care of her?” he asks me, glancing toward Monroe.
“You did not just ask her to do that!” Monroe stomps into the other room either oblivious to the fact that her brother is probably going to be arrested or indifferent to it. Despite his request I follow behind them as he leads them into a hall away from the crowd.
“Jameson West, I’m here to arrest