Page 127 of The Goat in the Bedroom

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“Actually, we can,” the older executive said. “Your contract has a morality clause and a section specifically about exploitation of subjects. You've violated both extensively. I'd recommend you keep your mouth shut, slink away, and hire yourself a good lawyer.”

Two security guards had appeared. Sloane looked around the circle of faces, finding no sympathy anywhere.

“This is a mistake,” she said. “I was making great television.”

“You were exploiting vulnerable young men for ratings,” Artie said quietly. “There's a difference.”

As security led Sloane out, she turned back one more time. “You'll regret this. The show will be boring without me.”

“No, I don't think it will,” Kendra said, already pulling out her tablet and making notes.

The moment the door closed behind Sloane, I pulled out my phone and opened the group text I'd created with all seven guys once they agreed to be open within the context of our coalition against Sloane.

It's done. She's gone. Fired, potentially facing charges, and all materials on the way to being destroyed. You're safe.

The responses were immediate:

JAMIE

THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU

CARLOS

I can't believe it's over

DEVON

You're a hero man

TYLER

I owe you everything

RAY

Tell your family thank you from all of us

ANDRE

First round's on me next time we play you guys

XANDER

Thank you doesn't even cover it

Xander immediately called.

“Is it really over?” he asked.

“It's really over,” I confirmed.

I could practically hear him sag with relief, and I wished he was here so I could pull him into a hug. Of anyone I'd ever known, he needed one.

“Hey, man, put me on speaker.”

I did. “Thank you. All of you. I don't know how to?—“

“You're family,” Dad said simply. “This is what family does.”

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