Page 74 of My UnTrue Love
Hank’s eyes flicked back to Bill, a cynical expression on his face.
Bill smiled his most harmless smile.
Hank wasn’t impressed. “Playing the long game, huh? Yeah, you look clever enough to know how to bide your time.”
Bill’s smile became more genuine. It was nice to have another fella to play with. Johnny never had been much fun. “Thank you, Sheriff. I sure appreciate that compliment.”
“It wasn’t a compliment.” Hank tossed a key to Clementine, so she could undo the broken cuffs on Bill’s hand. “Tell me again what happened with The Yellow Roses, Clem.”
“Johnny fired me.”
“Just out-of-the-blue up and fired her, huh?” Hank’s attention was fixed on Bill. “That was real, real lucky for you, wasn’t it?”
“One man’s loss is another man’s gain.” Bill mused philosophically.
“You and Johnny don’t get along, I’m guessing.”
“Why, I never had a cross word with John, until today.”
“What happened today?”
“Oh, Hank. Johnny wascompletelyout of line, earlier.” Clementine lamented. “He was shouting at poor Bill! I think Johnny wanted to hit him.”
“Shocking.”Hank deadpanned.
“I hardly even recognize Johnny anymore.” Clem fiddled with Bill’s handcuffs, trying to get the key to fit. “He’s done things that were hurtful, before. But lately, he’s been erratic and selfish and downright bigoted. I just won’t tolerate that.”
“The guy’s been finding opportunities to grow as a professional shithead ever since high school.” Hank said, like Johnny’s plentiful shortcomings were a frequent topic of conversation. “He was just better at hiding it, because he needed you. Hestillneeds you.”
Bill frowned. Any talk of “needing” made him uneasy.
“If that narcissistic idiot is spiraling, it could be a problem.” Hank’s dislike of Johnny was palpable. Bill admired that. “Trust me. I meet some real dangerous characters in this line of work.” His gaze skimmed over Bill. “They’re always prowling around.”
“And the worst ones are probably hiding right in plain sight.” Bill commiserated.
Hank wasn’t at all reassured by that response. His attention switched back to Clementine. “The bottom line is this: Johnny considers you his own private cheerleader. Now, you’ve stopped telling him how special he is and instead, you’re with this guy?” Hank gestured towards Bill. “It’s gonna eat that manipulative prick alive.That’swhy he’s freaking out.”
Clementine’s forehead wrinkled in thought.
“I think you’re onto something, Sheriff.” Bill liked to give credit where credit was due. “Seems Johnny don’t like me much, these days.”
Clementine patted his arm in solidarity. “The way he’s acting isn’t on you, honey.”
Bill nodded, accepting that Johnny was fully to blame. For everything. Always.
Hank watched him, perhaps sensing Bill’s un-regret over the fractured relationship. With an irritated sigh, he turned back to Clem. “You want me to talk to Johnny?”
“It won’t do any good.” Clementine sounded resigned. “Johnny never listens to anybody. I’m just glad I don’t have to live with him anymore, because he’s become insufferable.”
“Why exactlyisClem your roommate now, when she could move in with me or my brothers?” Hank wanted to know, back to glaring at Bill.
“Oh no, I’m not living with any of you.” Clementine scoffed. “No way. I still remember the wolfball matches in the living room, and all the nosy questions, and how I never got any hot water in the shower.”
“We were kids.” Hank protested.
“That was last summer, when we went on family vacation to the Big Rock Candy Mountains.” She got the locks on Bill’s wrists unfastened. “Now, can you at leastpretendto be nice? You’re going to frighten Bill into thinking my whole family is scary.”
Hank lifted a shoulder, as if to say, “Well, it’s true, so why hide it?” “How long are you staying in this guy’s apartment?”
