Chapter 136
Chapter one hundred thirty-six
Remy
I disconnect my call and turn to everyone at the table.
“Sorry, I was on the phone with the news director. Thanks for passing these out, Meg.”
At her name, she shakes off her reverie and goes to take a seat to my right, tablet out.
Rubbing the back of my neck, I look at my opened folder.
“A lot has happened and I’m not quite sure where to start.” Holding back a sigh, I gesture to the folder.
“If you open your folder, you will see the Dark Angel has offered to give the news an interview of sorts.”
“If this Dark Angel is on our side, and from what I read it appears she is, this is a great way to get reporters information without it touching us. Assuming none of you are the Dark Angel,” Alexis says.
“Her note says she considers herself more of an avenger of the downtrodden,” Coulson adds. “I want to know how she gets her information.”
“I received a note today,” James adds. “It fluttered down from the rafters during rehearsal. She wants us to know she’s still here.”
Erik’s eyes are darting between Meg and Tianna. When he looks at me, I shake my head. It can wait until we get home. Tianna is pale and picking at her fingernails. I force myself back to the matter at hand.
“None of us in this room are the Dark Angel or Avenging Angel,” I state unequivocally. When Meg’s eyes dart to me, I give her a small smile. Tianna is staring at me with wide eyes. Erik takes her hand and puts it on his thigh, diverting her attention.
Coulson, the smart bastard noticed it all.
“Can we manage her?” Coulson asks.
I snort. “No.”
“What about communicate with her?” he pushes.
I ponder his question. “Maybe. She seems to know things. She’s finally let me keep my security up as long as I don’t put cameras under the stage or in the rafters. She appears to have the ability to be almost anywhere at any time.”
“You’re giving her too much credit. She’s in your head,” Coulson contradicts.
“Spoken like a man who hasn’t received a note,” Erik counters.
“You are all overthinking this,” Alexis breaks in. “This is a golden opportunity. Do we have any idea what she would say?”
I push my hands into my pockets. “Not a clue. The only thing I know is she wouldn’t hurt Tianna.”
“No, she wouldn’t,” Meg agrees quietly.
“Alright, if we know she won’t do anything to hurt Tianna, and I assume the opera house, we let her do her thing.
Now let’s address the tabloid types that have resurfaced the issue with James and Christianna.
” She shoots Tianna a slightly apologetic look before turning back to her notes.
“There is also the matter of Spivey. He’s deceased and his death is under investigation, which is drawing attention since he accosted the three of you on a walk shortly before.
On top of that, they are rehashing his article. ”
“I’ve increased Christianna’s security, both personal and around the house,” Coulson says.
“I pulled in Cade as a favor, but I am looking for a longer term fix.” He tilts his head to the man standing at the door with Ruiz.
“I’ll also be putting someone on James and David to help with press control.
We have reports their townhouse is surrounded as well. ”
“Damn vultures,” David grumbles.
“Is there anything else we need to discuss? We are all aware of how to say no comment to the press.” Erik is direct as always.
Tianna’s voice is small. “I had hoped the interviews would buy us time, or get rid of this.”
My heart squeezes in my chest. The scrutiny was never supposed to intensify this way. I failed her.
I look away as Alexis fields her question.
“Tabloids will always take it to the lowest common denominator. The real news and socials are on your side. Your story resonated. The fact you’ve had a stalker to deal with on top of it and don’t know who it could be.
You are the underdog and they will fight for you.
I know it’s hard, but you need to take the long view.
If this Dark Angel drops names, which some reporters are already sniffing out, it will shift again to the Thornes. ”
Tianna takes a deep breath. “Okay, I trust you to know this. Should I be doing anything else?”
“Wear oversized sunglasses, keep your head down, and say no comment. Unless you get the bedroom question. Then go for the jugular,” Alexis advises, standing up. “Call me if you need anything. I’ll have my cell on.”