Mallory's Melody

Chapter 15

STARLIGHT STAR, JASON TREVOR, AND NEW GIRLFRIEND SHOPLIFT AT VALLEYVIEW MALL.

"Unbelievable!" William threw his phone across the room, discus fashion, the screen shattering to smithereens as it buffeted the accolade on his trophy stand. "This is exactly what I was trying to avoid!"

Jason remained in the office chair, unfazed by William's childish tantrum. He was used to William's anger. Though he could admit that this time he was angrier than usual. He was red, and swollen like a hyper-carbonated can of soda that would soon implode, and quite frankly, Jason was rather keen on seeing him explode.

He paced around the room, marching like a lion in search of prey to rip to pieces, and for an unnerving, split minute, Jason feared he might be that unfortunate prey. "She's a contestant, Jason, and you've brought her into the spotlight against the rules!"

"You should be lucky they didn't disclose much about who she was—they didn't even mention her name. Why are you so mad?" Jason asked, his anger rousing. "Why are you so determined to keep her away from the spotlight?"

William's shoulders drooped, the fury in his eyes giving more room to another. Fear? It sure looked like it. But fear of what? "Mallory was your responsibility, and you failed!"

"Oh please! We both know what your problem is William.

"Which is?"

"Don't act like you don't know." Jason snapped. "You want to use her talent to your advantage, isn't it? You want to get all the glory when she becomes a star. You lied to her about fame and stardom but we both know how selfish you are in sharing the spotlight. "

Willliam looked shocked for a second, but that look withered under his facade of innocence. "My primary objective is to bring out the—"

"—Best in people?" Jason flung his chair across the room. "Isn't that what you told me years ago too? But I can tell you, William, you didn't bring out the best in me. As a matter of fact, I'm at my worst."

"You're famous!" he spat. "You should be thanking me for giving you that life, not yelling like an ungrateful ass."

"Life? You call the paparazzi being at your back every minute a life? Do you call living by schedules a life? I never breathe William. Do this. Do that. I'm sick of it." Jason tugged at his hair.

"What are you saying?" Wiliam asked, stunned.

Jason turned to him. "I want my life, William. You took it all away from me years ago. I want it back."

"The contract, remember?" Wiliam gritted his teeth.

Jason raked his hair. "I can't live by you for six more freaking years William. I just can't. I'm losing my mind."

Willaim shook his head, returning to his seat. "You discontent little prick."

"Same to you, sir." Jason sat back in his chair.

"Many would love to have your life."

"Then let them," Jason leaned in closer. "They'll wish they didn't."

William placed his glasses back on and began typing away at his laptop keys. "When you help me make a contestant win, I'll let you go."

Jason rose his eyebrows. "Mallory, you mean?"

Willaim kept his gaze on the screen, unresponding.

"You're a perverted man you know that?" Jason said, yanking his laptop from him. "You're lucky Mallory is too naive to see this part of you! What the hell do you want with Mallory? Why are you so freakishly obsessed with her? You want something from her, don't you? You freaking pedophilic nicomp—"