Page 25 of Follow Her Down
I step aside.“Sure.”
As he moves past me, a heavy thud sounds from beneath us, clear and unmistakable.A hello from my shadow daddy to my first official guest.
If Detective Eddie hears it, he doesn’t react.He just stands in my hallway, dripping on the hardwood, taking in the sparse furniture and empty walls.
“Nice place,” he lies.
“It’s a shithole,” I correct him, “but it was cheap.”
He smiles, just barely.“Fair enough.”
I lead him to the living room, gesturing to the sagging couch while I take the armchair across from it.The rain beats steadily against the windows, and the old radiator clanks and hisses like something dying.
“So,” I say, “is this a social visit or all business?”
He sits, elbows on knees, studying me.“There’s been another murder.”
I hike up an eyebrow.“Another?”
“A body was found in an abandoned house,” he says carefully.“Young woman, about your age.She used to work at Gas N’ Go.”
I nod, waiting.I should ask questions, show concern.That’s what normal people do when they hear about a murder.Instead, I just stare back at him, waiting for him to get to the point.
“I wanted to check on some of the newer residents in Wichita,” he continues.“Make sure everyone feels safe.”
“How thoughtful,” I say, my voice flat.
Eddie’s expression doesn’t change, but something in his eyes sharpens.
From below, the house creaks.The walls seem to shift.My shadow daddy must be listening.
Eddie tilts his head.“What’s that sound?”
“Old pipes.”I shrug and absently scratch my neck.“I have angry plumbing.”
He nods.“Place this old, I’m surprised anything works.”
“Some things don’t,” I say.“But I’m getting used to the quirks.”
The rain intensifies, drumming against the roof.Eddie leans back, seeming to relax, but his eyes never stop assessing.
“So,” he says, “what do you think of your boss, Rick?”
The question seems to come from nowhere.“He’s a useless creep.Why?”
“Just curious.”His tone is casual, but his gaze is focused.“Does he bother you?”
I think of Rick’s hands, his leering stares, the way he corners me when no one else is around.
I fist my hands in my lap, which draws Eddie’s gaze immediately, so I loosen them.“He’s nothing I can’t handle.”
“That wasn’t my question.”
I shrug.“He’s touched my ass a few times, but it’s not worth reporting, if that’s what you’re asking.”
“Has he said anything to you that bothers you?”Eddie asks.
“Well, he told me I’d get a little more than minimum wage with no health insurance, so… Yeah, that bothers me.That bothers me a lot.”
