Page 5 of Evidence of Deceit

Claire looked around his house. It was lived in but not messy, just comfortable looking.

Mark came back. “Are you hungry? Can I get you something or some water?”

She shook her head. She was weak from hunger but didn’t want to make a big deal of it. Plus, she didn’t think she could keep anything in her stomach right now.

“Sit,” he said. “We can catch up.”

Oh, she wanted to, but she was exhausted.

“Would you mind if we did that tomorrow morning? I’m exhausted.”

He sighed. “I’m sorry, of course you are. I’m just excited to see you. Come on, I’ll show you the bedroom.”

She followed Mark down a short hallway, and he opened the door and told her where the bathroom was. He kissed her forehead and left.

Claire clungto the doorknob for a second. After locking the door, she walked over to the queen-size bed where Mark had laid her suitcase and unzipped it. She took out her one nightgown to change into. She could wash her bra and panties in the sink and let them dry overnight. Sniffing her blouse and slacks, she decided she needed to wash them too. She only had two other changes of clothes, so she needed to be careful—give the illusion she had more. Mark didn’t need to know her problems. Plus, she didn’t want him involved. Keith would get his revenge if he knew Mark had sheltered her.This short respite, however, would give her time to regroup and move on.

The beige bedroom was small, but there was a dark blue, comfy-looking chair in the corner with a light behind it for reading. Not that she brought a book. They were an extravagance in her budget, and she sure wasn’t bringing any from Keith’s condo. She walked over and closed the blinds but not before peering out. Exhaustion had taken its toll on her body and mind.

She pulled out her toothbrush and paste, walked into the bathroom and slipped out of her clothes. Washing her underwear took a minute. Washing her face took even less. She had no makeup on nor the wipes to take it off even if she did—couldn’t afford either. She brushed her teeth. She didn’t need to look in the mirror to know her breasts were still painful and bruised. Keith took great pleasure in sucking and squeezing them hard before jamming his cock into her the night before she left.

She climbed into the bed. Her body sank into the mattress in relief.

Door locked. Check.

Blinds drawn. Check.

Safe? Who knew?

But for one night at least, she could sleep knowing someone would protect her. Tomorrow … well, tomorrow was another day.

Chapter Four

Voices! Claire woke with a start. She jumped out of bed, put her ear to the door, but all she could hear was her heart pounding outdanger, danger.Was Keith here? If he was, how did he find her so fast?

No. It was a woman’s voice, and she and Mark were talking and laughing. Claire sighed in relief. Still safe. She was grateful that she didn’t have any bad dreams or nightmares last night. The first night in a long time.

She got out her extra pair of slacks and a top. Slipped her feet into the designer flats she bought at the thrift shop and snorted at the irony. How many pairs of designer shoes had she left at the apartment? She went into the bathroom to wash her face and brush her teeth. Felt her bra. Still a little damp but too bad. She had to wear it. Maybe in a week or so after she found a job, she could buy another.

Unlocking the bedroom door, she stepped hesitantly into the hallway. The woman was telling Mark something. He laughed.

Claire followed their voices to the kitchen. A smallwoman was handing Mark a cup of coffee and almost dropped it when she saw Claire.

“Claire, there you are.” Mark smiled. “I want you to meet my…” He turned to look at the woman and smirked. “Girlfriend, Sam.”

The woman blew out a breath and rolled her eyes.

“Hi. I guess my cousin didn’t tell you I would be visiting for a couple of days,” Claire said.

Sam shook her head. “I’m always the last to know. Sit down. Can I get you a cup of coffee?”

Coffee! The elixir of the gods. Oh, hell, yes.“I’d love one and a little milk if you have it.”

“You got it.” Sam pulled the milk from the fridge and placed a cup in front of her. “So, you and Mark are first cousins.”

“Yes, on my mother’s side.”

“Sam,” said Mark, “I’m sorry I forgot to tell you Claire was visiting for a few days while her husband is out of town on business. Oh, and Joe is stopping by in a few. He left his wallet here the other night.”

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