Page 21 of Condemned By Secrets

The last room was the bedroom. There was only one in the apartment, but it was spacious and even had a fireplace. Anna drifted toward it in a daze, drawn to the beautiful tile surrounding it. The design was a mix of pinks and burgundies swirling together in a pattern akin to marble. A carved wooden mantle with a mirror had been built around the hearth, and columns with decorated ends graced either side.

Anna ran her hand along it as Cassie commented, “The fireplace has been converted to gas, so it’s serviceable.”

At that, Anna smiled. She couldn’t wait for the weather to turn, so she could curl up by the fire with a book and a cup of hot chocolate.

Guess I’m taking the apartment, then.Not that she hadn’t planned to as soon as she’d stepped through the door.

Giving the fireplace one last caress, she turned to Cassie. “Dishwasher, laundry, and a fireplace? I’m sold.”

Cassie surprised her with a squeal as she clasped her hands together. “That’s wonderful! You don’t even know.” She shook her head. “This helps me out so much. Lennie, he’s the landlord,” she explained, “he was going to be so upset. But if you take it, it won’t be vacant.” She shrugged and grinned. “And no harm, no foul.”

Anna smiled back. “Well, it’s perfect. I’m glad it works out for both of us.”

“Absolutely!”

Cassie headed back into the living room and Anna followed. The blonde talked over her shoulder as she went. “I’ll be out in a week, and it’ll be all yours. I’ll give you Lennie’s contact information and let him know the turnover going down. He’s a little ornery, so don’t be surprised if he’s rather gruff with you at first. It takes him a while to warm up to people.”

“I know what that’s like,” Anna muttered.

Cassie stopped and turned. “What was that?”

“Nothing. That doesn’t bother me.” Anna avoided eye contact as she took the last few steps to the door and picked up her work bag from where she’d left it. “Do you want to just text me his information?”

“Works for me.” Cassie opened the door and smiled. “It was nice to meet you, Anna. I’m glad you’re taking the apartment.”

“Thanks. Me too.”

Anna stepped through the door, but Cassie stopped her. “I think you’ll like the neighbors too.” She winked. “Luther, you know, is upstairs, and the other, George, is an artist. He’s a quiet one. Keeps to himself.”

Anna had frozen at the mention of Luther. Her brain stuttered over the realization that this was his building. “Luther lives here?” she squeaked out through a throat gone painfully dry.

Now Cassie frowned. “Yes. Don’t you know him? I assumed when he mentioned . . .”

She trailed off at the shock Anna knew had to be on her face.

Of course, he hadn’t told her he lived here.He’s a liar. Just like Dan.

“I know him, but he left out that detail when he told me about the apartment.”

“Are you all right?” Cassie placed a hand on her arm.

Anna blinked and felt her skin heat. There was a burning starting in her gut and fanning its way up her chest into her face. She smiled around gritted teeth. “Fine. Thanks again for the tour.”

“Of course. I’ll send you Lennie’s info.”

“Great.” Anna nodded and turned away. Walking blind, she started up the stairs to the third floor. Her vision had gone red, and she needed to find Luther. Shame and embarrassment at the knowledge he had tricked her were overpowered by the anger she’d been walling up too long. It had burst through the dam she’d built to contain it, and she was helpless to stop the flow. If Luther thought he could manipulate her, he had another think coming.

???

Luther was in the process of shedding his uniform when there was a knock at the door. Today had been a rough one. He’d delved deeper into the investigation of the suspicious activity and what he’d found . . . Luther rubbed a hand over his mouth, but the sour taste lingered. Right now, he wanted nothing more than to slip into the shower and shut his brain off. Sighing, he buckled his belt and walked to the front door, not bothering to put his shirt back on.

Opening it, he found Anna on the other side. With one look at her, the fatigue that had plagued him for the last hour evaporated like steam over a hot stove.

“Well, hello there, Anna.” He looked her up and down, distracted enough by her tailored blouse and snug-fitting skirt not to notice the expression on her flushed face.

“You lied to me!” She poked him in the chest, and he was surprised enough by her outburst to let it push him back a step.

Confused, Luther’s eyebrows rose, and he rubbed at the spot where she’d stabbed him. Her little fingernails were sharp. “What are you talking about?”

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