Page 11 of Fury

“Go away.”

“Please.”

The door swings open, and I stare at her red, puffy eyes. “Why are you covered in blood?”

I glance down at my clothes. “Long story.”

She growls in frustration and tries to slam the door again, only this time, I wedge my foot there and it bounces back. “We should talk inside,” I insist, stepping in and forcing her back a few steps. I slam the door. “How the fuck did you get involved with Donnie?” I demand.

“No,” she yells, stomping into the kitchen with me hot on her heels. “I’m not answering any more of your questions until you start talking.”

“He’s bad news,” I snap.

“As are you?” She says it more like a question.

“I’m serious, Xanth.”

“So am I. Do you work for him?”

I briefly close my eyes and release a sigh. “No. I owe him money, and I’m paying off my debt.”

“How?”

“By doing whatever he wants.”

“Like?”

“Like picking his piece of ass up from work,” I yell.

She looks offended. “I hardly know him,” she shouts angrily. “And I am no one’s piece of ass.”

I give a nod, relief flooding me. “Great, so you can walk away?”

She narrows her eyes. “Hold on a minute, who said anything about walking away?”

“Me,” I snap. “I’m telling you to walk away before you get too involved. That show tonight, that’ll happen again and again. Now he knows you’ll do it, he’ll call on you.”

“I’ll make it clear I’m not doing it again.”

I scoff. “And you think he’ll take any notice?”

“He can’t force me,” she shouts.

I grab her upper arms and shake her. “He’s a fucking psycho. You need to listen to me.”

“You’re the only one acting crazy,” she snaps, pulling her arms free. “Why are you covered in blood?” she asks again.

“Walk away from him, Xanth, or one day, it might be your blood I’m covered in.”

She stares at me for a long, silent minute before giving a stiff nod. I exhale, relief flooding me.

“I’ll send him a text.” She pulls out her mobile. “What should I say?”

“Just be honest,” I tell her.

She types something out then turns the phone for me to see.

I’m really sorry, but I think we should call it a day. This isn’t going to work for me.

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