Page 40 of Dirty Filthy Boy
Chapter 14
Ty
ON THE DRIVE HOME, she doesn't say a word. She's got to be hurting. Burglary is not only a robbery of your things, but a theft of your soul. But she doesn't cry.
"My whole life was in that laptop."
"Did you store the data somewhere?"
"Yes. My files are backed up daily. I'll be able to retrieve everything. But whoever stole it has all my personal data. I feel . . ."
"Violated."
"Yes."
"We can go shopping for a new one in the morning. And you can transfer your files. We'll put a GPS locator on it. If it disappears again, you'll know exactly where it is."
She hitches up a shoulder. "No need to do that. The laptop belongs toThe Windy City Chronicle. They'll provide a replacement."
When we come to a red light, I glance at her. She's fighting off the tears, but her lip chewing gives away her state of mind. I engulf her small hand in mine and squeeze. "Okay. But if you need one before they can replace it, I have one I never use."
Her head swivels toward me. "You have? Why don't you use it?"
"The Chicago Outlaws gave it to me, but it doesn't have all the bells and whistles I like."
"Such as?"
"A first rate gaming video card and lightning speed ram."
A small smile fights to make an appearance. "Boys and their toys."
"Hey, don't knock it. I play Madden Football on the thing. It's taught me a thing or two about the game."
She snorts. "Yeah. Right!"
Happy her mood has lightened, I turn the conversation toward her friend.
"You and Marigold don't seem much alike."
"We're not. We're into different things, and she's much more of a free spirit than I am. But somehow we became fast friends."
"What do you mean free spirit?"
"Mar dated a lot of guys in college, and I mean a lot. Hooked up with a bunch of them. She doesn't believe in tying herself to one man. She views marriage as a form of financial and social bondage. Not a surprise, given she grew up in a commune in California. Her parents never married."
"But you're not like that, are you?"
"Far from it. I was born and raised in Iowa by parents who believe marriage is sacred and the ultimate outcome of two people who love each other. Needless to say, they do not approve of pre-marital sex." She sighs. "Sometimes I wish I could be more like Mar. I hate being Miss Goody Two Shoes."
I reach over and squeeze her hand again. "I like you the way you are." My phone rings. Caller ID identifies the individual as a flunkie from the Chicago Outlaws, the one in charge of checking on the players. The team wants to confirm I'm tucked in for the night at the hotel. I turn to MacKenna. "Sorry. I have to take this."
"Sure."
Letting go of her hand, I click my phone. "Mathews." With the speaker function on, MacKenna can hear every word.
"Just calling in with your pickup time. Your driver will pick you up tomorrow morning at nine."
"I'm on my way home. Don't worry. I used the car service."
