“I’m sorry?” I ask, momentarily disoriented. I sink into a chair across from Jessica. Did Micah make a tape of our exchange?

For Jessica I keep my face calm.

This must be what it feels like to have a heart attack.

“The tape of you and my brother,” he clarifies.

Even after I hear the words it takes a few more seconds to register. I’m so scared about what Micah may have told Travis I completely forgot about the sex tape.

“I have to say,” he continues, “my brother is a lucky man. Your breasts are exquisite.”

“Is there a task you need me to attend to?” I ask, lowering my head so my hair falls forward. If I left the room, it would be inexcusably suspicious, but I also can’t afford for Jessica to see my face right now. I’ve practiced hiding my anger, but humiliation is a more difficult state to conceal.

“Is my wife there?”

“Yes, she’s right here, Mr. Gable. Would you like to talk to her?”

“No, I would like you to touch yourself, Bell. I would like for you to touch yourself in front of my wife while talking to me on the phone. I’d like for her to know that her husband is making you come right in front of her. Would you do that for me?”

I don’t answer right away. So far he’s made no reference at all to Micah or Javier . . . but he is taking his harassment to a new level. Something must have triggered that . . . What would that be?

I take a deep breath and try to steady myself. “No, Mr. Gable,” I finally answer. “Of course not.”

“That’s not very cooperative of you. I am the one paying your salary, aren’t I? And I do have this tape to do with as I please.”

I squeeze my eyes closed. Using that tape as a threat, that’s rather desperate . . .

. . . and it gives me hope. If he had something more solid to threaten me with, he would.

“I’ve figured out where I can access those records you were asking about,” I say as coolly as I can manage.

“Lander’s phone records?” he asks, his voice registering surprise.

“Those are the ones,” I reply. “I can give you that . . . But unfortunately your other request isn’t feasible.”

There’s a long pause on the phone and then a low laugh. “Very well, I’ll drop the request, for now. However, I will be stopping by there in about forty minutes.”

“Why?”

“Because it’s my home and I can come in and out of it as I please,” Travis replies. “Let Jessica know, will you?”