My thoughts swirled inside me as I walked back to the hotel. Miss Billings had lied to me all along about Louis! She manipulated me! But I was the one who chose to betray Louis and Miss Martha, this is my fault too. How could you’ve have been so stupid, Jessica? These thoughts continued until ...

Per my instructions, Carlos dug up as much dirt as possible on Mackenzie Billings, which became plentiful. It took two weeks to uncover sufficient evidence to destroy her reputation. We leaked it to rival news outlets. Everyone blamed her for the unethical activities and toxic workplace she created and thrived in. But even that wasn’t ...

One morning, I looked out my apartment window and saw the wounded flamingo needed my help. The left wing looked injured, and regardless of why, caring for the bird felt like a necessary act of atonement for my past mistakes. For months I read books and articles on how to care for flamingoes and nursed ...

Andre stands at the dock as we arrive and greets us. “Here are your groceries, Miss Galton. Did you and Tamara have a good time together?” Jessica grins, “Oh, we did! Tamara’s a sweetheart. Fizz likes her too!” Fizz honks in apparent agreement at her side. I smile and remain silent. “Nice meeting you, Tamara. ...

I spend the rest of my Greek vacation relaxing at the spa and on the beach with my escort. We indulge in massages, hot tubs, saunas, bocce ball, and playing in the ocean’s waves. I feel a tremendous sense of relief. No more bothering thoughts of Miss Jessica, Fizz, or the island. In the end, ...