Neon is the Colour of Vengeance (Flappers and False Gods)

THE FINAL NAIL

“Do you really mean that?” Genevieve said from behind the bar as she made herself and Hugo a drink. Nectar was quiet because it was still early, but not so quiet that either noticed Alice lurking in a dark corner listening in.

“I love him.” Hugo shrugged.

“But being a Conti is your life.”

“I thought you of all people would be happy.”

“I am!” Genevieve placed something bright and fruity on the counter in front of Hugo.“Nobody wants you out more than I do, but I tried it. I tried to leave and here I am.”

“But you don’t play by the same rules as the rest of us.”

“But I’m still playing the game.”

“It’ll be hard. Dangerous. But I love him; he can’t stay here, and he won’t love a killer forever. No normal person would.”

Her face fell and she looked down at the bar.

“I’m sorry. I wasn’t thinking.”

“No, you’re right. Learn from my mistakes.”

“I don’t know how it will work yet…If Sam finds out, he’d kill him and I…” Hugo trailed off as if the thought was too difficult to finish.

“Are you really just going to run?”

“I have to. No choice now. Dill Kelly knows about Evan. He thinks he’s got leverage on me and he does but not the leverage he thinks. He’s gonna tell Sam I’m compromised by my feelings, try and sow discord, but as soon as Sam finds out who Evan is?—”

“It’s a win-win for old Dill. You never thought about just killing Evan? Even in the beginning?”

“I couldn’t. Even the day we met, every bone in my body told me not to.”

“My brother, going straight. I wish you all the happiness in the world I really do.” She raised her glass in a toast. “To you and Evan.”

They clinked their glasses together and drank.

Alice stayed in her hiding spot, listening to Hugo talk about the rest of his life with hope and joy. She despised it. She had been holding onto his secret, waiting for the perfect opportunity to use it to her advantage, to steal his seat at the table. Her time had come. She would put an end to his dreams of leaving before the night was through.