Ruth forced a brittle smile, and her voice came out strained as she spoke.
She said, "This hotel's security is terrible. You... you are okay, right?"
I stared at her, and suddenly I was done with the charade once and for all.
I jabbed a finger at the wall and let my voice turn razor-sharp as I said, "Drop the act."
I added, "These walls might as well be made of tissue paper. I heard every cruel word you said about me crystal clear, and your little conspiracy came through loud and clear too."
Their faces froze as if they had been doused with ice water, and the realization hit them that they had crossed a line.
Ruth softened her voice until it trembled, saying, "Nina, sweetheart, it is not what you think."
I cut her off with a hollow laugh and said, "Save it. You want Sussie back? Fin
