This story is rated M for some violence, coarse language, and minor adult themes.
It is not appropriate for readers under the age of 16 and should not be viewed by such.
Disclaimer – same as the other parts.
New York City, NY, USA – 2008
As soon as my head stopped spinning, I realized what I had to do. "Christian." I looked at the clock – it was only eleven – hopefully he'd be alone in his office. Confronting him about this in front of a group was not something I wanted to do.
I raced from the room, punching the button for the lift, shaking. How…how on Earth could he have known about Ernie? It couldn't be possible…it couldn't be…
When I reached the ground floor, and Christian's office, I found the door open and him alone. "Kit," he said, "something I can…?"
I walked inside and shut the door without waiting for him to finish. "You," I said. I could barely breathe. "That…that figure upstairs, with the cat…"
"Oh, the little diorama? Do you like it?" He stood and started toward me, grinning. "Yes, I think Molly sets it off just…"
"It's not Molly."
He stopped, staring for a minute. "What do you mean, it's not Molly? Of course it is."
"No, it's not. It's…it's a different cat, and…and…" I leaned my back against the door, trying to breathe. "And where did you learn to sing like that, and why did you tell Sophia you wanted to give me everything, and…oh, God…"
Now he looked concerned. "Oh, oh, don't. You mustn't panic so, Kitten."
There was silence at his words. I stared at him. "What?" I knew my eyes were wide – he'd…no. "What did you just call me?!"
He took a deep breath, then pounded his fist on the desk. "Ah, merde."