Page 105 of Durango

The same day Durango left last week, he also got called for an assignment that required him to leave that night. I guess the moment he’s considered safe, they put him back to work. I miss him and wish he were here. But I don’t want to bring Samantha down, so I put on a smile.

We step onto the elevator.

“How was your day?”

Samantha has been quiet since she returned home, which is unusual for her.

“It was good, actually. I was nervous, not sure how people were going to treat me.”

The elevator doors open, and we walk through the lobby to get outside.

“Remember, I told you two other women complained, too? Well, we compared stories today and?—”

“Samantha Coleman?” a man in a suit asks.

“Yes,” she replies.

He holds up a photo and stares at both of us, then turns it around for us to see.

“These are for you.” He hands Samantha a document while I stare at the photo.

It appears to be a doorbell photo, and we are on the front porch of Carmen’s Connecticut home.

The man walks away, and we review the document. It’s actually two papers.

“A nondisclosure agreement,” Samantha says.

“How did she find us?” I ask.

Samantha’s phone rings. “Hello?” she answers. A female voice comes through, and she puts it on speakerphone.

“You received the papers?”

“Yes. Clearly, you have my number, so why not just call me in the first place?” Samantha asks.

“Because you would have ignored my calls. I needed you to know I was serious.”

“How did you find us?” I ask.

“Samantha’s license plate was in view of one of my security cameras. With that, it wasn’t hard to find you. Now, let me make myself clear. If you don’t sign the NDAs and return them to the man waiting on the corner, I’ll be forced to let it leak to Benson Hyde that you have a copy of that incriminating video.”

Holy shit, she’s blackmailing us. I turn and notice the man who gave us the papers is standing nearby. He gives a little wave.

“Who is Benson Hyde, and why would he care if we have a video of Tyler having sex?” I ask.

Carmen sighs. “Don’t play dumb. I confronted Tyler about the video, and he informed me you were also in possession of a video with Hyde. Tyler was scared for his life. Apparently, rightfully so.”

“How the hell do you know Benson Hyde?” I ask.

“Everyone knows Benson.”

Everyone? Now I wish Durango was here so I could ask him what he found out about this guy.

“I don’t believe you. You wouldn’t risk this Hyde guy thinking you’re aware this video exists. This is a bluff,” Samantha says.

“Hey.” I grab Samantha’s arm, and she holds the phone away. “What’s the big deal? We’ll just sign it. We aren’t telling anyone about this anyway,” I whisper.

“I don’t like being threatened,” Samantha says. She places the phone back between us.

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