“I gave you years of my life, got in one car accident and you’re ready to throw me aside because, why, I’m damaged goods?” There was a man in a wheelchair, an arm and leg in a cast, and although I couldn’t see his face, I had a feeling it wasn’t pretty.
“That’s Corey,” Gogo whispered in my ear.
“You have heard what you wanted to hear. Let me ask you something, Corey. Did you think, when you were speeding down the highway, putting your life,Jermaine’s life, and strangers’ lives in danger, what the consequences would be?” Ben sat stock still as he spoke to Corey. He hadn’t seen me and Gogo yet and I was glad because I wanted to know what was going on here.
“Oh come on, it was—”
“An accident, yes. See, Corey, if I knock a glass of milk over with my elbow, that’s an accident. If I’m driving my own car and a deer jumps out and I hit it, that’s an accident. You were speedingby choice!” Ben’s voice rose on the last two words. “Now you threaten me, threaten Supernal, and dare to threaten the people who work here because your feelings are hurt?” Ben scoffed. “I can’t believe I was ever willing to even consider welcoming you back. At this point, no matter how this meeting goes, you are never returning to my employ.”
“You think you’re King Shit, Benny! Well, you’re not. I know I can be an escort anywhere and I think a few of your competition would very much like to know some of the things I do.”
Ben’s nostrils flared and his eyes narrowed. He slapped a folder onto the desk in front of himself. “Do it and spend a good long while in jail. The only dates you’ll be getting will be with fellow inmates and possibly the occasional prison guard.”
“But you’ll be—”
“Ruined?” Ben raised a brow. “No, I won’t be. But feel free to think that.”
“I gave you everything.” Corey talked as if Ben stole him and dragged him into this life. Like he auctioned him off and treated him as a slave. Did he not realize he had it better than most people?
“No, Corey, it isIwho gaveyoueverything, and my thanks is your irresponsibility and threats.”
There was a long silence. I peered over at Gogo who was shaking his head. He spoke softly as to not expose us. “I can’t believe I worried about Corey. If he told people things about our clients, where would we all go if Supernal shut down?” The hurt in Gogo’s expression when he turned and walked away, made my blood boil. I didn’t know Corey, but I knew guys like him.
“You’re not better than me.” The sound of Corey’s hatred shook me to attention, and I turned back to my view from the doorway.
“I never pretended to be better than anyone.” Ben ran a hand over his face, exhaustion etched in his features.
“Bullshit. You want us to tell you our stories, but you won’t tell us yours. You think I don’t know, think some of us didn’t figure it out?”
Ben’s eyes widened; it was the only time I’d ever seen him afraid. “Excuse me?”
Corey scoffed. “The more secretive you were, the more curious we all became. The others wouldn’t dare invade your privacy, but if I’m being honest here, I sort of thought we all had a right to know. Were we in danger?”
“Why would you think I’d put any of you in danger?” Ben’s fear and worry were palpable. I wanted to step in and tell Corey to shut up, wanted to push him out of his chair and tell him to leave Ben alone. But I wasn’t sure what my place was. Apparently, it was eavesdropping.
“I don’t know. But I thought we had a right to know.”
“So you poked around did you?” Ben stood and walked around his desk until he was in front of Corey. “And what did you find out?” He crossed his arms over his chest, his emotions obviously swirling more toward anger now.
“You were married, had kids, then suddenly you didn’t.”
“That’s your big reveal?” Ben rested his butt on his desk, hands pressed to the wood on either side of his hips.
“Couldn’t find out what happened, but maybe you killed them? Think the guys would like to know that?”
Ben shook his head. “You know so very little. You’re in this place and I’m wondering how you ever got here. A boy among men is what you are, Corey.”
“Fuck you, Ben! I’ll ruin you like you’re trying to ruin me.”
I couldn’t take it anymore. I pushed the office door open the rest of the way, causing it to slam against the wall.
“Crew!” Ben stood and Corey turned his head best he could to see me.
“I heard yelling.” I moved so that Corey got a nice long look at me. I wanted him to see the disgust I had for him.
“Nothing to worry yourself over, Crew.” Ben did his best to appear calm, but I’d heard everything that transpired.
“Who the hell are you?” Corey sneered.