Page 56 of Man of the Year

“Oh, yeah? You gonna tell me what to do?” I wish he were here so I could punch him in the nose. I’m done with men who boss me around.

“I need you to go back.”

“I bet you do. What’s in the envelope?”

“Some info for Rosenberg’s eyes only.”

“And how am I supposed to give it to him without giving it to him?” I mock.

“Figure out how. If he gets the envelope, I can guarantee a payday for us. If you get caught with that thing, you are in trouble. So, don’t get caught.”

I don’t care about the money. I’m not into extortion, or whatever this is. Clearly, this dude is walking a fine line.

“I want something else in return,” I say, mulling over the options.

“What’s that?”

“I need whatever dirt you have on Rosenberg.”

His response is a loud cackle. “Sweetheart, when I’m done with him, that info won’t be any good to you.”

“You don’t know that. It’s not for me anyway.”

“Ah-ah. Don’t get carried away. You are not smart enough to play with the big fish.”

I have a strong urge to poke his eyes out right now. “I need that info. You can keep your money.”

“Hmm.” I know he’s trying to figure out what my angle here is. “Whatever game you are playing, have at it. But only when I get my pay.”

“Deal.”

“Call me tomorrow when you get it done.”

Just like that, he hangs up.

If there’s a way to implicate Rosenberg, if all else fails, this stalker guy probably knows how to do it.

And just like that, I don’t think I have an option—I have to go back to The Splendors.

DAY 4

FORTY-THREE

NATALIE

“She is getting better,” the nurse says as soon as I walk into Cara’s hospital room.

Right away, I rush to Cara’s bed, trying to figure out what exactly changed, though she looks the same—motionless, peaceful.

“Her brain functions are improving,” the nurse explains. “That, by any definition, is a spectacular sign.”

I smile broadly. It is. Must be the muffins. Though Cara still hasn’t come to.

“Hey, babe,” I say as I set the box with muffins and a coffee tray on the side table. “Banana ones today. Also, hazelnut coffee. In case you missed it.”

I watched a movie once about someone in a coma, and the doctor said that smells, sounds, and touch can heighten brain activity.

It’s Sunday. Most people with regular jobs have the day off. I am with my friend who, only a week ago, was singing in the kitchen, cooking breakfast and making plans for the next week. Now we are here.

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