Page 117 of Levi
CHAPTER28
Levi
After a promising meetingwith vendors vying for our business, I’m standing in front of the Quintus Hotel, waiting for the valet to bring my car. I’m wearing multiple hats these days, but tonight’s meeting was all about the stage production businesses. Linc is on daddy duty, so it’s just me. When I see the white Porsche Carrera approach, I can’t help but grin. Going back home to my girl is my favorite time of the day. We’ve had a few rocky moments adjusting to each other, but overall, asking her to move in with me is the best decision I’ve made in a long time. The valet hands me the keys to my sports car. I’m just about to slip behind the wheel when my phone rings. I rummage for it inside the pocket of my suit jacket.
“Hey, Linc,” I say, answering the call. “Calling to find out how the meeting went?”
“No.” I expect him to elaborate, but he doesn’t.
“Linc?”
“I’m heading to the studio.”
I frown at the phone. “Everyone is versed on what they’re supposed to do, and if anyone has questions, Stephen is there to answer them—”
“Stephen called in a panic—”
“Why?”
Stephen is one of our supervisors. The guy is unflappable even under the most stressful deadlines.
My brother lets out a long sigh. If I didn’t know better, I’d say it was a long-suffering sigh. The team must’ve hit a wall.
“Levi, there’s been a shooting—”
“At the studio?” I shout.
“No. Somewhere in Culver City. The neighborhood is under police lockdown.”
My heart sinks. “What the fuck are you talking about, Linc?”
“I didn’t waste time gathering details. After Stephen called, I jumped into my car, drove my kid to Dad’s place and now I’m gunning down the streets towards the studio, praying the cops don’t stop me. I tried calling Jules...” his words trail. “I can’t get hold of her.”
I insisted on them exchanging numbers. Other than Sydney, Austin and me, Jules doesn’t have anyone in her camp.
“Wh—what?”
“Like I said, I don’t have all the details, but Stephen is pretty freaked out. So is the rest of the team. I thought for sure Jules would still be working since she just moved in––”
“She’s at the office. She texted me after she sent Alice home to let me know she was sticking around for another couple of hours.”
“I figured she’d be eager to get settled. Why isn’t she picking up, then?”
“Jesus,” I rub my hand over my face. “I’m on my way.” My voice trembles in fear.
“I’m sure she’s safe, Levi,” Linc says.
I’m surprised I can hear anything over the blood hammering in my ears. “You don’t fucking know that,” I snap.
“Whoa, little brother,” he cautions. “I understand where you’re coming from––trust me, I do––but you losing your shit isn’t going to help anyone.”
I ignore his comment. “I’m going to go find Jules. Keep me posted on what transpires at the studio.”
With that, I end the call.
Fuck. Fuck. Fuck.
My chest is heaving.
