Chapter 49

“All ready, Val—” I came to an abrupt halt. Val stood there, visibly shaking.

Standing in the doorway was a youngish man, and although his gaze flitted over me, he kept a gun pointed at Val’s head.

“Who is this?” I asked, although I was fairly certain I knew.

“Giles Stapleton.” Val’s voice was fairly steady.

Ah.

“How did you know I was here?”

“Do you think I’m stupid? I knew you worked with Sebring. It simply made sense. No, stand still.”

Val had taken a step back.

“Why didn’t you go home? I’ve been waiting for you all afternoon.” Stapleton stalked forward and kicked the door shut behind him.

“How did you know where I lived?”

“Jesus, you’re such an idiot. Your parents told mine, and they told me. Now answer me. Why didn’t you go home after you finished filming?”

“M-Mr. Mann invited me here for dinner.” Val cast me an anxious look.

“A likely story. He wanted to fuck you, and you’re just too stupid to realize it.”

“No, he—”