Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert)

Chapter 361

When Chris finally saw the helmet clearly, he froze on the spot.

It was unmistakable. He'd had this exact helmet custom-made for Caleb Lennon. His own handwriting still adorned the side: "Ride Safe."

But Caleb was supposed to be recovering from an injury. What was his helmet doing here?

Confused, Chris stepped closer-then was stopped short by unmistakable sounds coming from inside the room.

He started to turn away, embarrassment prickling his skin-only to catch a glimpse of the woman's face on the bed.

Bridget.

Rage burned through him. Chris clenched the hotel keycard in his fist, ready to storm in. But instead, he forced himself to back out of the room quietly, shutting the door without a sound.

Rupert had given him this keycard for a reason to avoid causing a scene.

...

Hospital Room.

Rupert barely glanced up when Chris walked in, as if he'd been expecting him. He pulled out a pack of Marlboros, offered one to Chris.

Chris stared at him, bitterness in his eyes, then took the cigarette. Even his hands shook as he tried-and failed-to flick the lighter.

Rupert wordlessly leaned over and lit it for him.

Chris didn't smoke much; the first drag made him cough hard. He swallowed the ache and muttered, "How long have you known?"

Rupert exhaled, voice flat: "Since their first hotel hookup."

Chris's eyes widened. "That was-?"

time they

coughed again, this time from

had always been a wild card, trouble with women since high school. But Bridget? She was a well-bred girl, the type you'd expect to see at Sunday brunch with her parents,

read his mind. "People can fake

looked at Rupert, guilt twisting inside

and I... it was always just business. I owed her, that's

kind of business?" Chris

ash into a paper cup. "That's a story for another time.

"Like what?"

a used syringe onto the table between

time, I'm not cleaning up after your

the syringe, crushing his cigarette in his shaking hand.

him home tomorrow,"

...

Sylvia signed her discharge

leaving, she dropped by to check on Mrs. Carter and her family. The Carters had finally gotten the compensation they deserved, and Mr.

happy for them and left a little extra cash for

at the hotel, Eloise was

see you're alright," Eloise said, warmth in her voice. "Thank

with you and asked for you specifically

the morning," Eloise

"Of course," Sylvia replied.

chat, Eloise headed back to her

ten minutes early at the

"Where's Bridget?"

coming. Mr. Rupert wants her to

but then she

Sylvia spotted

Rupert's out