Page 75 of Devoured

I stopped typing. I was assuming Isabella had snapped a few photos of me when I blacked out. Incriminating photos she’d use for…something. I didn’t really know her plan here. It seemed like she just didn’t want to get divorced. And that wasn’t up for negotiation.

Dr. Clark had asked me once if Isabella was on medicine. I’d been thinking a lot about that. How she always took something every night. Maybe she was off her meds. If she was…that was bad. Because I couldn’t remember a time when she hadn’t taken them. Maybe back in high school, before her father sent her to that facility. If she was reverting back to her younger self, I had to fight fire with fire.

I cleared my throat. “Actually, does Max still have the same number?”

“Why?”

“I need his help with something.”

“I thought you said you neededmyhelp with something? What are you planning?”

“I need someone to follow Isabella. And you can’t tail her. She’ll recognize you.”

“Follow her?” Ian sighed. “Now I know why you asked for Max. You’re planning to blackmail Isabella back? I don’t think that’s a good idea, man.”

“What else am I supposed to do? I need her to sign the papers.”

Ian sighed. “Fine. Yeah, Max has the same number. But just for the record…I hate this plan. At least you’re not making me do it though.”

“Can you also let Ellen know she doesn’t need to come in for the next few days?”

“Penny will eventually need to get used to the fact that you have a staff.”

“I know. But it’s a lot, right? I want to ease her into all this.”

“Did you just call me a lot?”

I laughed. “You know what I meant.”

“So this means she’s staying, right? For good this time?”

“I hope so.”

“Me too,” Ian said. “I’ll let Ellen know to lay low. And I’ll do the same. Wait, does this mean I have to watch the game alone tomorrow night?”

“I’ll let you know. We might be able to still catch Odin Beckman dominate Sam Bradfury.”

“What the fuck did you just say to me?”

“It’s a long story. I’ll fill you in later.”

He laughed. “You got it, boss. Have a good night.” He hung up.

I pulled out one of my desk drawers and rifled through the papers until I found Max’s number. I called him as I sent off the rest of my emails canceling classes.

Max answered after just a few rings. “Long time no see, James. How’s Delaware treating you?”

I wasn’t surprised he knew where I’d moved. That was kind of his job to know things. “Great. I have a job for you.”

“What kind of job?”

“I need some incriminating photos of my ex with other men. It won’t be hard. I’m sure she’s seeing someone. Just get it done quickly and quietly.”

“You’re talking about Isabella?”

“Yes.”

“The usual fee?” he asked.

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