Rev Me Twice by Adele Dubois Read Free Book Online Page B

don’t be like that. Our group is like
family. Haven’t you figured that out yet?”
    Crystal had no idea how families functioned, so she
dismissed the notion. “I guess that makes us kissing cousins. Or incestuous
siblings.” She’d never had sex with Sandra, but assumed Gunther had given her
juicy details of their former encounters. Discretion wasn’t one of Gunther’s
strong points.
    Gunther waved away her jibe and continued his defense.
“People are concerned about you. They don’t understand why you haven’t come
forward. I told Sandra to talk to you about it, but instead, she went to Marv.”
    Crystal blanched. “She told our producer ? Is she
nuts?”
    “No, Sandra is your friend . Protecting you. She
doesn’t want you hurt. Or worse.”
    All Crystal’s indignity rushed out in a resigned sigh.
Gunther had disarmed her. “Damn.”
    “Right. We’re your friends. So stop acting all paranoid and
let us help you.”
    Crystal threw up her hands. “If the secret’s out, I guess
I’d better talk to Marv.”
    Gunther nodded. “Guess so.” He turned to Brigit and Kiesha.
“Ready, girls? I think we’ve overstayed our welcome.” He glared at Tomas and
his nostrils flared with enmity.
    Tomas had the good grace to concede his mistake. He thrust
out his hand for a handshake. “Sorry, man. I’m worried about Crystal too. After
all, she’s my girl.”
    Gunther shook Tomas’ hand, but he didn’t seem mollified.
“Forget it.” Crystal had the distinct feeling it would be a long time before
Gunther let the incident pass.
    “Let me buy you a new shirt.” Tomas reached for the wallet
in his back pocket.
    “No way. I don’t want your fucking money.”
    “I said I was sorry and I meant it. Try to understand. I’m
with the Military Police. We don’t trust anybody.”
    For some reason, that seemed to smooth things over.
Gunther’s expression and body language relaxed. He offered a tight smile. “I
guess Crystal isn’t the only one who’s paranoid.”
    Tomas grinned back. “You’re not paranoid if they’re really
out to get you.”
    Gunther turned again to Crystal. “If someone wants to hurt
you, you’d better stop pretending a problem doesn’t exist.”
    “That’s what Tomas said,” Crystal replied.
    “Well, Tomas is right.” It seemed to take effort for Gunther
to side with Tomas, but Crystal respected him for doing it anyway.
    “You’ve shamed me into agreeing with you,” Crystal replied.
“I’ll talk to Marv. We’ll decide what to do.”
    Tomas and Gunther nodded almost in unison.
    Brigit went to the front window and peeked behind the
curtains. “Our cab is here.”
    “That’s our cue,” Gunther said. He, Brigit and Kiesha moved
to the front door. Yvette came up behind them. Gunther kissed her cheek before
heading down the front steps behind the girls.
    Yvette stopped at the door and turned back to Crystal. “From
now on you’ll get a rental discount if you invite me to all of
your…get-togethers.” She smiled a wicked grin. “I want to make sure you don’t
move away.” Yvette closed the front door, but opened it two seconds later, like
she’d forgotten something. She stuck her head inside the entryway. “Take care
of yourself, Crystal. I have a vested interest in your well-being.”
    Crystal chuckled. “Your concern is heartwarming.”
    Yvette gave her the thumbs-up. “I’m a warm and fuzzy kind of
girl.”

Chapter Three
     
    Crystal stared at her trashed dressing room in horror. Tears
welled as she scanned the open drawers, overturned containers and tossed
clothing. Luckily, from what she could tell, nothing had been damaged. Someone
had simply been looking for something.
    The letters. There could be no other explanation.
    “Why the fuck didn’t you come to me right away?” Marv
growled behind Crystal as he took in the mess and her theory. The producer ran
a stubby, thick-knuckled hand over his balding head. The gold on his pinkie
finger shone against his