Page 20 of The Spy Ring

I heard laughter behind me as I began to wipe down the kitchen counter with a rag by the sink.

“I don’t think Morgana would be happy with a dead fiancé,” Henrik said.

Turning to glare at him, I put my hand on my hip. “She may not like it, but I’m sure she’d understand.”

At that moment, the intercom buzzer went off. Creasing my brow, I pointed to Henrik. “Did you order food?”

“No,” he said, and we both glanced at my son who was shaking his head.

I went over and pushed the answer button. “Hello?”

As clear as day, I heard a familiar voice. “Hey, Tiffany. It’s me, Evaleen. Can I come up?”

I answered her with a push of the open button. Perhaps the police visit today spooked my landlord into finally fixing the intercom.

“Did you invite Evaleen over?” I asked Henrik as the two were finally on speaking terms.

“No.” Henrik shook his head.

It wasn’t long before we heard a knock at the door. I glanced through the peephole to see Evaleen standing there.

“Hey. What are you doing here?” I asked after I opened the door.

Evaleen’s blond hair was back in a long braid. She usually wore her hair up in a restrictive bun, and the braided look softened her. She had on jeans and an oversized gray T-shirt that bunched at the sides.

She peered over my shoulder and frowned. “Crap. What’s Payne doing here?”

“Henrik is here to take David to the baseball game. They should be leaving soon if you need to speak with me in private.”

“Nice to see you too, Evaleen,” Henrik shouted from behind.

She groaned. “Okay, if this is going to happen then I need to tell you both something before I even step into your apartment.”

“You can tell me anything, Evaleen,” I said and stepped closer but she held up her hands to stop me.

“Stay right there. After I tell you there will be no hugging, we all agree to stay exactly where we are,” she said and then leaned to the side to glare at Henrik.

“Yes, if that’s what you want.” I was worried. Evaleen was a tough woman, and she never acted strangely like this. I hoped nothing was wrong with her or her mother.

“I promise,” Henrik yelled.

She took a deep breath and glanced to her side before lifting her eyes to me. “I’m pregnant.”

“Aaaah! I’m so happy for you.” I jumped up and down and began to move toward her to give a big hug.

“Stop. You promised not to move,” she said holding up her hand.

I nodded. “Yes, of course. Sorry, I forgot.”

Despite her serious expression, I had a huge smile on my face. No wonder she was acting strangely. I’ve heard that sometimes pregnant women can become overly sensitive to sound or smell and even touch. That’s probably why she doesn’t want us near her.

I remember when I was pregnant with David becoming nauseous every time I heard a Beatles song. And I normally loved listening to the Beatles.

“Congratulations, Evaleen! Is Edgar pooping his pants.” Henrik laughed and I heard my son giggle too.

“No, he isn’t shit—” Evaleen started to speak before I cut her off.

“Language,” I said in a straight tone.

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