Page 56 of All the Ugly Things
Notice of Final Eviction.
Immediate vacancy required.
The thick stack of papers shook in my hands and words blurred together. Behind the initial letter, complete with Valor Holdings contact information, was a refusal to renew the lease.
I was being kicked out of my home, such as it was, because Hudson was leveling my building and those around it to the ground.
How in the hell had I not known?
And why in the hell had they not told me?
More…. How in the fuck was I supposed to trust them now?
With fury fueling me, I shoved the papers back into the envelope and grabbed my keys and small purse. I waited at the bus stop, pacing back and forth, but every quickened step sent a bright burst of pain to my side so I stopped and impatiently tapped my foot until the bus showed.
The tapping didn’t stop once I boarded and took a seat. My feet moved in the same rhythm as the bus driver’s, as if me pushing down an imaginary pedal would get us there faster. All the while, my blood burned brighter than the sun as it rushed through my veins. I groaned when we caught a red light and every time the bus came to a stop sign, I squeezed my eyes closed.
Pedestrians? Who gave a crap?
I had an enemy who presented himself in sheep’s clothing to fry to dust.
Less than twenty-four hours ago, I entered this same building with questions and sprouting hope.
Today it was rage that spurred me through the doors without yesterday’s hesitation and prickling nerves straight to the desk where Cori, the same woman as yesterday, widened her eyes so large it didn’t register I was stretching the allowance of their Friday casual dress code to extremes. Behind her, the security guard went on alert as I slapped down the envelope stamped with my name.
“I need to see David or Hudson Valentine. Immediately.”
“Miss—”
“Lilly Huntington. I was here yesterday. There were conversations we left unfinished.”
Like the fact they were evicting me.
My pulse raced and thunder roared in my ears as she glanced at me. With uncertainty making her moves slow, she reached for the phone and dialed three buttons. “Mr. Valentine. A Miss Lilly is here to see you, but—”
Her mouth closed and her eyes stayed on me before drifting to my sweatshirt and leggings that was far from appropriate for even a casual dress code.
“Yes, sir.”
“You may go—”
I turned, causing my rubber shoes to squeak on polished tile. I didn’t bother waiting for the Visitor’s Pass. I knew my way and she didn’t waste her breath. I was going anyway but not having to take down a mammoth security guard made it easier.
Screw my parole. If I didn’t have a home, I had nowhere but prison to go anyway.
As soon as the elevator opened, I stormed out, intent on hunting down David and Hudson, and instead came to an abrupt stop. They were both standing by Stephanie’s desk, smiling and laughing.
And I was pretty certain, in that moment, my brain exploded from the heated fury of the entire situation.
“How fucking dare you?” I all but screamed.
Their smiles and laughs came to a cold stop, and Stephanie’s mouth fell open. I paid no attention to her and threw the envelope at their feet. It landed on Hudson’s shoe.
“Lilly—” Mr. Valentine said, stepping forward like I was a feral animal.
Who could blame him? I certainly felt like one.
“Did you know?”
