My Cruel Salvation (Fallen Saint # 3) - J. Kenner Page 0,86

And while I don’t want Devlin to be in trouble with the law, that’s not why I’m saying this. I’m saying this because I have to. Because Devlin Saint is a good man, who’s had a lot of crap thrown at him recently that he doesn’t deserve. And because Walt is a bad man, and he deserves whatever dark looks people give him after they hear what I’ve just said. I hope it changes everything for him. I hope he finally realizes that he can’t get away with things by trying to shift reality whether through lies or through drugs. That’s all. Thank you.”

She waits a beat, then shrugs, the confidence she seemed to project while recording the video fading away as she looks at me with the same expression she had when we were a little girls in elementary school.

I move over and pull her into a hug. “You did amazing,” I say, and Corbin seconds the statement.

“That was really great, Brandy,” he says. “Seriously, it was terrific. And if you wanted it to go viral, I think you did the right thing. I think this will definitely do that for you. And if anybody still looks at Devlin like he’s an asshole or at Walt like he’s a hero for calling out Saint, then they’re idiots.”

Brandy sniffles and wipes the back of her hand under her nose. “Thank you.”

“I have to say one more thing, though, before I write up this article and post this video.”

Brandy’s brow furrows, and I’m curious as well. “What?”

“Are you sure?”

“Why are you asking me that now?”

“Because what you said was really good. Not only did you say it well and heartfelt and reference actual evidence that you have, which will get everybody interested, but it also involves Devlin Saint. We all know it’s going to go viral. A few days ago I wouldn’t have said this to you. You’d given me permission, and I would have just posted it. But my perspective has changed a little recently. I saw my colleagues shouting out questions to Devlin about who his father is. And I probably would have too. It was news, right?”

Brandy and I lock eyes and we both nod.

“Yeah, well here’s the thing. I’ve met him. And I listened to his speech the other night. And that revelation kind of fucked him over. It was news, and they had every right to ask him in public. But I just wonder if maybe they shouldn’t have. So I’m trying to think a little bit more before I publish. Is this what you really want?”

I’m in complete shock. I’d shifted my perspective on Corbin, true, but I never expected this. There are actual tears in my eyes as I think about what he’s willing to give up. One hell of an article and the spotlight that goes with it. And he’s doing it because of friendship and respect. Who would have thought?

Brandy’s mind has not wandered the way mine has. And she doesn’t seem sentimental at all. Instead, she nods fiercely as she looks directly at the camera. “Thank you for asking. But yes. I want you to publish.”

Corbin’s expression changes into one of absolute glee. “Well, all right. That’s all I wanted to know. Brandy, honey, you may have just made my career. Thank you.”

I laugh. It’s good to see a hint of the old Corbin. I feel like the Earth is moving on its axis again.

“So are we done?” I ask.

He nods. “I’ll send you a text before it goes live so you’re prepared. I can write this fast and get it up in a couple of hours. That’s cool, right? You want it as soon as possible.”

“Absolutely,” Brandy says. “Walt’s apparently pursuing this thing hard. I keep seeing that his name is trending on all sorts of social media.”

“Got it. I’ll write it up, put the graphics together, and we’ll run with it. I’ll keep you posted. And thanks again for this exclusive. Hey, Ellie, where are you?”

I lean over again so that he can see my face.

“Thanks,” he says.

“You’re welcome. Do us proud. We wouldn’t want to have to evict you.”

He snorts. “I’m hanging up now. I’ve got work to do.” And then, true to his word, he does.

Brandy closes the app and shuts her laptop, then she turns to me. “Oh my God,” she says.

I give her a hug. “You did exactly the right thing. I’m so proud of you.”

“Proud of what?” The question comes from behind us, and