Page 100 of Risk
Looking around, I see my brother climbing the steps on stage right while Nicole climbs them on stage left.
Leah tenses next to me. “Why does this feel like that part of a horror movie right before acid rains from the sprinklers in the ceiling?”
“Tonight is a very, very special night indeed.” Scarlet looks out at the crowd. “Tom, please come up here to help me share this incredible news.”
My father strolls up, reluctantly.
I’ve gone the whole night without seeing or speaking to him. His hair is slicked back, making the white hair by his temples stand out against his dark black hair. He’s got his lucky bowtie on. With a scowl, he climbs the steps. He hates attention on him. And my father is, by far, the most docile man I’ve ever known. It’s probably why he and my mother work so well.
Confusion wars with amusement on Nicole’s face, but it’s my brother who has me ready to bolt from my seat. What the hell is going on here?
“It has just been shared with me that my dear son Jackson…” Scarlet takes his hand, “and our beloved Nicole…” She snags her hand too, “are getting married!”
Nicole looks like the rug was just pulled out from under her. Beneath the riotous applause where everyone stands and cheers, I watch Nicole say, “No, no, no.”
Jackson pulls her into his arms and says something only she can hear. Nicole presses her hands against his chest and tries to shove him away.
“This is painful to watch.” Landon’s tone isn’t playful at all.
With a tight smile, Jackson backs off Nicole.
Fury boils out of me.
They do not belong together. It’s a match made in Hell.
I may not like my brother most days, but he deserves real love and happiness, just like the rest of us in this nightmare. Nicole’s expression says it all. She’s mortified and trapped. Their marriage was announced publicly. Stopping it will turn into a scandal for the tabloids to feast on. Her reputation will be destroyed instead of my brother’s. My mother would make sure of it.
“What do we do?” Leah asks. “She looks like she’s going to pass out.”
Nicole’s stoicism disintegrates. All color leaves her face. I think she’s going to faint.
“We’re so happy to have you as part of our family, Nicole.” Scarlet announces. “The Greystones and Finches have been friends for so long. My heart is filled with joy.”
“Ticker,” Nicole says quickly. “Ticker.” She snatches the microphone and clutches it with both hands while Jackson tries to snatch it from her. “TICKER!”
I’m out of my chair in a flash.
Bolting towards the stage, I get two steps up the stairs before Carmichael jumps in front of me. “Sit back down, Mason.”
I don’t hesitate. Fist clenched, I clock him in the jaw, sending him sprawling. Fury propels me up the steps. “Enough.”
Grabbing Nicole’s shoulder, I guide her over to the stairs where Leah and Kerrington are waiting.
“What are you doing?” Scarlet sneers. “Mason, get off the stage.”
“How about you get off your high horse.” I snag the microphone from her and throw it on the dance floor, breaking it. “Look at you.”
Stuttering, she points at the back of the ballroom. “Get out.”
“Oh, I’m leaving. Trust me. I’ve been counting down the minutes since I stepped into the hotel.” I stalk towards her. “But not before I’ve had my say.”
“Son, this isn’t the time for—”
“He’s not our son!” Scarlet shouts at my father. “He’s dead to us.”
“He looks alive to me.” My dad walks past her and straight to me. “And he’s still my son.”
“Thomas.”