Free Late Night with Andres by Debra Anastasia

that he was working with the gunman to attack poor Ms. Kierce.’”
    “That’s not true.” Milla spoke through her teeth.
    “Which part? Coordinating with the gunman? The fact that he’s alive? If I decide to say that he’s embezzled money from thousands of charities, I can do that.” Andres’ voice never changed its lilting tone. “Anything I want to be true is, in fact, true, Ms. Kierce. But if you come on my show, I’ll focus on reliving your harrowing experience and leave Mr. Daxson to his hiding spot.”
    Milla said nothing as she looked toward the ceiling. She hadn’t heard from Gage in weeks. It occurred to her that he could easily throw away her toe and order himself another. It didn’t seem likely, but she’d expected something from him. Anything from him. And he might be hiding for a reason. Maybe he needed more of a break from the media.
    As if Andres could smell her indecision, he continued. “Lawsuits are expensive, Ms. Kierce. All those pending book contracts and newspaper deals? The minute you have lawsuits against you, those things dry up. So then I would have to tell my lawyers to go for your personal wealth and maybe that of your parents. My records say they’re paying off your college loans. So sweet of them. They have a cute little balance in their retirement fund. I’ll have that too. Think of all the things you could avoid by just appearing on the show. You were so excited before. Let’s harken back to that emotion.”
    “I’ll be there for tomorrow’s show.” She hung up the phone and seethed.

    When Milla went back into the studio for Late Night with Andres , she wasn’t alone. Officer Rocco Brun insisted on personally escorting her and waiting for the duration of her interview. Security led her to yet another dressing room, with an identical swag basket as her first visit. Fuckers. She felt like a big baby, but inside her pocket she had Gage’s little toe, and she held Rocco’s hand so tight it must have hurt. He didn’t complain.
    “You look nice.” He winked at her.
    “I want to throw up. Luckily I haven’t been able to eat.” Milla jumped as a nearby door slammed shut.
    He shook his head and sighed. “I have no clue why you would agree to come back to this place.”
    “It’s complicated. I wonder if they’re taping us right now?” Milla looked at the ceiling.
    “I’m pretty sure you can count on it. Let’s gesture with our middle fingers a lot.” Rocco pointed all around with his. “You want a muffin? They look good.”
    Milla tucked her hands between her knees to try to stop the shaking. “Uh, no.”
    She wore jeans, a T-shirt, and a zipped-up leather jacket. She also had on three pairs of underwear and two bras. If someone tried to strip her again, it would at least take them a while. A wave of nausea floated her stomach close to the back of her throat. They waited in silence. Neither wanted to give Andres any extra footage. Milla had already heard Rocco’s opinion about the justice system, and it wasn’t favorable. He was under the strong impression that Andres owned more than a few judges. All charges against him had been quickly dismissed. The clock’s tick was so loud it was freaking Milla’s already frazzled system. Finally a man entered. Rocco drew his gun.
    “Whoa, whoa. Just the assistant. Ms. Kierce needs to be wired for her mic before she goes on. I’m Peter, just here to help.”
    He held out the electronic equipment in his hands to prove his words. He took a step toward her. Milla shook her head. Rocco didn’t put away his gun.
    “I have to?” Peter was confused. “How will they hear you?”
    Milla shrugged and practiced giving him the middle finger.
    Rocco snorted. Then he asked, “How about you get her a handheld? She doesn’t want to be pawed at by your crazy ass.”
    Milla almost smiled at Rocco, thankful the guy was here.
    Peter rolled his eyes. “Fine, but she’d better keep the mic where we can pick up the audio.”
    Rocco