Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert)

"You'd just love to run off with him, wouldn't you? After all, your old flame is still waiting for you overseas."

Rupert pulled out his phone and hit play. The voice recording echoed through the room—Bridget's voice, unmistakably hers.

"Babe, I'm flying in for Christmas. Please, you have to pick me up at the airport. I can't stand another minute with Caleb, he's such an idiot!"

Bridget froze, her lips trembling. "Caleb, it's not—I just—"

Caleb just smiled, slinging an arm around her shoulders. "It's fine. I believe you."

Bridget looked like she might actually faint with relief-until Chris stormed in.

"Caleb! Are you insane? She's using you! She doesn't love you-she's only here because you're my brother! That way, she can get updates on Mr. Rupert any time she wants!"

"I know," Caleb laughed, a harsh, almost wild sound. "I know everything."

Both Chris and Bridget stared at him, shocked into silence.

Caleb jabbed a finger at Chris, his voice bitter. "You've always been the golden boy, haven't you? The perfect son. I was always wrong, no matter what I did. Mom and Dad brag about you, the whole family does. Even when the professors say I'm smarter, you're still their proudest student!"

"Well, why should you have it all? I wanted to drag you down into the dirt for once. To make your precious friend wear my horns, to make him lose what he cares about. Hell, I even thought about making him raise my kid. I want you to feel guilty for the rest of your life!"

Chris took a shaky breath, his voice caught in his throat. He could barely get the words out as he backed away, shaking his head.

Caleb's bravado faltered. "You... you're not going to save me?"

voice was bitter. "You always act like nothing can touch you. Maybe it's time you learned to face

the drama to play out. He

own. But after a few punches, he started to falter. He grabbed Bridget, hauling her

hand, aimed, and with a muffled pop, a small

the

Caleb's wounded arm to the ground with his boot,

your brother. Now-last chance. You got anything

his teeth. "Nothing left. Go ahead, kill me if you've

hesitation, Rupert shifted his aim and shot Bridget in

She dropped, screaming.

"One."

Rupert's voice was cold.

"Two."

Bridget's cheek, splitting the skin open. She was in too much pain

t belongs to Sunet

Rupert aimed

"The boss told

him?! Why? You

"Why'd What

shrieked, blood streaming

down her

gives you the right?" Bridgere face as she lunged at

looking her in the eyes. "Do you love