Page 23 of She Gives Love a Bad Name

“Nice try, kid. I’m not falling for that shit.”

“So I’m supposed to sleep on the sofa?”

“Honestly, I don’t care where you sleep.” He jabs his thumb at the door to his bedroom. “But that’smybed, and I’m not giving it up.”

I fold my arms across my chest and grumble under my breath.

Slowly, he stands. “We done?”

“Why?”

“Because I’ve got work to do.” He carries his glass to the sink.

“You’re going out again?”

“Yeah.”

“When will you be back?” I follow him to the door.

He glances at his watch. “Later.”

“You’re no help.”

“I’ll send Claude up with some cleaning supplies.” He pauses halfway to the door and turns. “If you need anything else, make a list. I’ll take care of it when I get back.”

“And what am I supposed to eat?”

“There are some TV dinners in the freezer. Heat one up.”

“Such a gracious host.”

“Don’t leave the apartment.”

“Yes, dad.”

He sighs. “Grant.”

“What?” I lean closer, pretending I couldn’t hear him.

“My name is Grant.”

“Sounds like a hard-ass’s name.”

He shakes his head and leaves the apartment. I lock the door behind him. Leaning against it, I close my eyes and take several steadying breaths.

“You can do this. It’s temporary. Just...breathe.”

A gentle calm settles over me. As long as I’m here, I’m safe. No one knows about my connection with the detective...with Grant. No one knows where I am. It’s like the earth opened up and swallowed me whole. If anyone can protect me, it’s him.

Ten minutes later, I’m armed with supplies courtesy of Claude. I thank him before he leaves, and with a renewed sense of determination, I head to the bedroom and begin cleaning.

I can make this work. Right?

Without regret, I toss my bloodstained uniform into an empty garbage bag and tie it off. That’s one reminder I don’t need lingering around the apartment.

Is it sad the one spark of joy I found today was discovering the clean set of sheets in the small linen closest? I remove the bloodstained ones from the bed and pile them in the corner.

If Grant thinks he’s getting the bed tonight, he’s crazy. That bed is mine.

---