Page 54 of State of Retribution

“She does, but it’s expected to go through.”

“Huh.”

“Don’t ask me if there’s anything I can do about that, because I wouldn’t do it even if I could.”

“I’d never ask.”

“I know.Sorry.I’m just grumpy about his stuff touching mine.”

Archie raised both eyebrows and smiled.

“At work, I mean.Otherwise, I love when his stuff touches mine.”

He put his hands over his ears.“TMI.”

Laughing, Sam headed for the door.“Thanks for the help.We’ll keep you posted.”She stopped and turned back to him.“I hope you’re being careful with your heart in this situation, friend.”

“Trying to be.”

“How’s that going?”

“Not so well.Or, it’s going great.Depending on how you look at it.”

“She’ll remember that you stepped up for her this way.”

“I’m worried about what else she’ll remember.”

“Let me know if there’s anything at all I can do for you.”

“Thanks, Sam.Appreciate you coming by.Let me know how you make out with Deb.”

“Will do.”

Chapter Eleven

Erica Lucas called to tell Archie she’d located Harlowe’s efficiency apartment at a hotel near the yoga studio.“The manager wants her permission to allow me into the room to retrieve her clothes.”

“Let me take the phone to her,” Archie said.

He went into the living room, where she was resting on the sofa after her conversation with Dr.Trulo.“Erica has found your apartment and needs you to give your permission to the manager so she can go in and get your things.”

Harlowe took the phone from him.“Hello?”She listened to Erica and then spoke to the manager.Then she handed the phone back to him.

“I’ll be there shortly with a bag for her,” Erica said.

Archie went into the kitchen and lowered his voice.“She feels safe with me.I want it made clear to her parents that she’s not leaving here under any circumstances.”

“I’ll let them know not to push for that.Not now.”

“Thanks, Erica.”

“No problem.”

“What’re you hearing about the rape kit?”

“Nothing yet, but like I said before, I’ve requested a rush on it.”

“Thanks for everything you’re doing.”

---