"Janet?" asked Eliza, shocked. "That was definitely not part of the script" said Daniel, coming out of his hiding place with his sister and Noah. Eliza was still staring at her daughter. "Why mom?" Janet managed to choke out her words. "Janet...darling, I-" Eliza fell quiet, realizing she had no explanation that could convince her heartbroken daughter. "All those innocent people, mum...ridiculed because they bullied you for something that doesn't matter anymore?" Janet said. "They're not innocent, those rotten people...Janet...they called me names...and did all kinds of other disgusting things...no one deserves that" Eliza fumed. "They were kids' mom...they were young! You're just making up crazy stuff and turning people against each other. Now you truly are the Lady A they thought you were!" Janet shouted. "Please try and understand Madam Mayor. We're all tired of this stuff" Lily pleaded. "Yeah, any second now, the police will arrest you!" Daniel added. "And I can get back to my Rosie!" added Josh.
"I did stop, a few years after you were born...but people forgot what it felt like to be turned against everyone! I needed to show them what it felt like" Eliza said, her focus on her only daughter. "Well, you have! Enough's enough Eliza" said an unknown voice. They all turned to find Gina Turninghum. "How the actual-" muttered Noah. "My niece called me saying she was locked in her office. I'm guessing that was your shenanigans. She was very reluctant to give the location here and then I heard your obnoxious voice. There was always a reason I never voted for you" Mrs. Turninghum said. Then, they heard someone running.
"Aunt Gina? Eliza? What is- Josh...why- I don't" Ginerva Turninghum looked shocked at Lady A's office. Luke came next, panting. "Who knew one could run like that in high heels?" he puffed. He knew that Ginerva would make a fuss so he unlocked the door. Like a bull released from a pen, she ran to Lady A's office after pushing him aside.
There was an awkward pause.
"It's over Eliza, your 'off-script' business and being mayor. I'm sure people would love to know who Lady A really is." Gina looked at Eliza in disgust. "Why you ugly toad-" Eliza started. "ENOUGH!" Janet said, with tears in her eyes. "Can't you see what you're doing? Clearly, your rivalry is too strong so we won't even try to get rid of that. Mrs. Turninghum...it's not fair to Janet and her dad. When this gets out, people will just harass them." said Lily. "And why should I care about them? Family sticks together, remember? Although saying you and Mike were actually related...painting yourself as a victim" Gina taunted. Eliza looked ready to punch someone.
"Because, if you don't...I'll suffer too" said Ginerva. Gina looked at her niece. "I got enough money I need to escape from this place, and since I'm in league with Lady A, they'll arrest me too" continued Gina. The tension was so thin that someone could cut it with a knife. "She deserves-" began Mrs. Turninghum but Daniel interrupted. "She can go to prison...the police will know her crime and it'll be confidential. We'll be the only ones who'll know. I'm sure Mr. Mills can take over being mayor"
Gina looked torn. Finally, she nodded. The group felt a large weight lift off their shoulders. Janet took deep breaths to calm herself. Eliza tried to comfort her but Janet flinched at her mother's touch. Lily quickly hugged the girl. Eliza stared at her daughter.
"And I still haven't forgiven you for leading us on a New York goose chase-OW...What?", Noah rubbed the back of his head while Daniel and Lily glared at him.
"Not the time dude"
YOU ARE READING
| WHO IS LADY A? |
Mystery / Thriller"I wish I knew who it was...I don't care if it's a man or a woman, I'm going all karate kid on 'em" Annie said. ************************** 'Off-script' is a gossip magazine that has given the people...
