Page 47 of Benji

They ate in silence for a bit, and I couldn’t stop my curiosity about their earlier quiet conversation. “So,” I hedged. “What’s news on Oxford Street?”

Benji froze for a second, and Fitch shrugged. “Nothing new. Same old.”

Something had definitely happened. Benji’s reaction told me enough. “Did the men who chased Benji the other night return looking for him?”

“No,” Benji said.

“Yes,” Fitch said at the same time.

“Fitch,” Benji hissed at him.

“What?” he cried. “I’m not gonna lie to him when he could let you stay here a few more days.”

I wasn’t sure what to do with this information. I had no problem with Benji staying if he needed to, but it wasn’t a permanent solution.

“Is there something I can help with?” I tried instead. “If these men are harassing you?—”

“No.” Benji shook his head. “It’s fine.”

“There are laws to protect you.”

Benji shook his head again, and Fitch looked like he wanted to say something but couldn’t.

“I know going to the police seems?—”

“No,” Benji said, sharper this time. Then he tried to give me a smile. “It’s fine. They’ll go away.”

“What do they want?” I tried. “You know, in my line of work, I see this kind of stuff all the time. I’ve learned to never judge anyone for actions under circumstances I myself have never been in.” I looked squarely at Benji. “Are they after money?”

His gaze shot to mine and he shook his head. “No. Look, can we drop it, please? It’s not important. They’ll go away.”

I knew if I pushed, I’d only push Benji away, so I let it go. “You can stay here longer,” I said. “If it’s a safety issue. I don’t mind.” Then I thought I should clarify something. “And that doesn’t have to include our other arrangement. I don’t expect anything?—”

“It better,” Benji said bluntly. “If I’m staying longer, which I’m not, at this point, just so you know. It won’t be necessary. But thank you for the offer. Hypothetically though, if I do stay, our agreement of much and thorough fucking will need to honoured.”

Fitch snorted. “Priorities.”

Benji smiled as he stabbed some chicken and salad and they continued to eat, the conversation about their troubles seemed to be over.

I had the rest of the week with Benji, at least, so maybe we could talk about this again. When we knew each other a little better.

When he trusted me some more.

When we actually got around to having a conversation instead of endless sex.

I felt bad for never pushing him for more information, more conversation.

I believed him though, when he said it wasn’t money or drugs.

So what these men were after Benji for, I could only guess. But for now, I’d let it go.

I left Benji and Fitch to chat at the dining table while I cleaned up after dinner, and I was stacking the dishwasher when the intercom buzzed. Benji’s gaze shot to mine. “Expecting someone?”

“No,” I said, wiping my hands on a tea towel, walking to the door. I checked the screen. “Shit.”

“Who is it?” Benji asked. There was alarm in his tone, so I gave him a smile.

“A friend of mine.”

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