Page 96 of A Breath of Life
“Not that I can see. I’ve been keeping an eye since I got here.”
“Good.”
Silence swelled between us.
“Are you still mad?”
“Yes.” Tallus eyed the bag. “Did you buy lunch?”
“No. It’s a diversion. Follow me.” I aimed for an out-of-the-way bathroom, knowing Tallus’s ire was about to increase tenfold. At this rate, I would be single by the weekend.
24
Tallus
Vibrating with fury, I contemplated all the ways I would punish Diem for this most recent injustice. He was going to be sorry. His overprotective nature might have been cute at first, but I was over it, and in a show of frustration, I kicked the stall door, making it shiver on its hinges.
“Asshole.” He was long gone and didn’t hear me, but I’d spat enough venom before he walked out the door that he would hopefully think twice about returning unless he was on his knees.
The men’s room at the courthouse was not my preferred choice of hangout, but Diem had insisted it was where I needed to remain until he got back. Was it up for debate? No. Was I entitled to an opinion? No. Did he listen when I objected to this stupid plan because the risks involved were too great? Also no. Diem’s safety was of no concern. He was allowed to gallivant around the city, doing anything he pleased, while I hid in a fucking bathroom.
I could have left. I could have ignored Diem’s threats and walked out the door with my head high, but I didn’t because, despite being ragingly angry, I knew, deep down, he acted with my best interests at heart.
With nothing to do but wait, I called Kitty. Diem had asked me to inquire about Clarence’s wife’s murder investigation. He’d also warned me that under no circumstances should I reveal anything about our situation. Kitty was my best and most trusted contact. She was sly and sneaky and frighteningly witchy at times. She wouldn’t betray us.
If Diem could make his own rules, so could I.
After her bubbly greeting, I sighed, injecting purposeful dramatics down the phone line. “Hey, Kitty Kat. Tell me your day isn’t as dreadful as mine.”
“Oh, it’s been lovely so far, dear.”
“That’s great. Aren’t you special. Wanna know about my day? I’m currently sitting on a closed toilet seat lid at the courthouse. That’s right, I’m a prisoner in a public bathroom stall. How many levels of gross is this?”
“Oh lord, do you have diarrhea, love?”
I snorted. “No, Kitty. I have an overprotective boyfriend who is stealing all the fun. I love the guy. I really,reallydo, but god help me. Some days, I want to beat him over the head with a pillow until he realizes that my cute face is an asset, not a hindrance. There was a time when playing the part of a princess was my life’s goal. I dreamed of being catered to and pampered. Not anymore, Kitty. Princesses are not all they’re cracked up to be.”
“I think he’s settling in nicely. You know, this is the first time in Diem’s life he’s had a stable relationship. Go easy on him while helearns to navigate the intricacies of being in love for the first time. He has your best interests at heart.”
I sighed. “Don’t I know it.”
“To be fair. You’re a lot to handle, Tallus.”
“What? I object. I’m delightful.”
“And strong-willed to a fault.”
“Alas, I am. About the other day…” I let the sentence hang unfinished, knowing Kitty would follow up precisely how I wanted. She did not disappoint.
“Oh yes. You never told me what happened.”
I laughed again with a purpose that was true to my character—rather, the one I wanted anyone listening to believe. “Well, get cozy and pay attention because it’s a doozy of a story. It turned out Diem was kidnapped by pirates. I’m kidding. He was kidnapped by the goblin king. David Bowie in spandex. I was jealous.”
Kittytsked. “Now, Tallus.”
“You’re right. It wasn’t David Bowie. The truth is, Diem was kidnapped by a secret organization of wannabe hoodlums who threatened his life, his family, and probably my virginity because they wanted him to find a man who slipped from their grasp after their hit man failed to hit, if you know what I mean. It turns out, we accidentally saved the guy’s life without knowing he was supposed to bite the big one, so now they’re making Diem fix the mistake, but not without forcing him to jump through hoops along the way. Honestly, they have stacked the deck in their favor. While they hold the coveted ace of spades, we’re fumbling with the lowest-numbered pair imaginable and a nine high. Do you hear me, Kitty? But don’t worry, these people aren’t all bad. They care about charity and make ridiculous donations to places like St. Michael’s or whatever.” I inserted another hard-done-by sigh. “Alas, it’s just another day in the life of a PI.”
I smirked.See, D? I told her everything and nothing.
