Page 40 of Deceiver

But it’s not water. No. The water isn’t running down his face.

It’s a tear.

He’s crying.

I make a pained noise, unable to stop it.

The moment it leaves my lips, I close my eyes, knowing he’ll open his. If he knows I saw that, he’ll push me away harder than I’ve ever been pushed before.

Pulling back from me, his body leaves mine, and I’m left desperately wanting to cling to him and bring him back. I open my eyes and watch as he turns the water off and gets out. I follow him, silently, and he hands me a towel. We dry off and walk back out into the main living area, where he drops that towel and begins getting dressed.

He’s leaving again.

Of course he is ... This is his club.

“Got to go,” he murmurs, pulling on a pair of jeans. “Don’t leave.”

I hesitate, not entirely sure what “don’t leave” means.

“Okay,” I say, softly.

He glances at me. “Sleep. I’ll be back.”

He wants me to stay?

With him?

Here?

My heart swells, but I give him a simple nod.

He walks to the door once he’s pulled his shirt on and has slid his jacket back over his shoulders. When he reaches it, he turns and looks at me. “What you did tonight ... It won’t be forgotten.”

With that, he’s gone.

Did we just turn a corner?

I stand, entirely naked, for a few moments just processing what happened tonight. Not only did Western lose someone he cares about, but the police have more to do with it than people think. I dress myself and go into the kitchen to make a cup of tea. My phone rings just as I’ve finished boiling the water. I walk over, glancing down at the number, and I know exactly who it is.

Bill.

Exhaling, and knowing I have to keep this act going, I answer it.

“Yes?”

“I heard there was a death at the club tonight. Shame.”

I have no doubt in my mind that they’re all working for the same person. Bill knew this was coming. His little act doesn’t fool anyone.

“Did you have a hand in this?”

“Would it matter if I did? You work for me, remember?”

I grind my teeth.

“Did you call to gloat or do you need something?”

“I need something. The club is busy right now, which means everything is yours for the taking. I know you’re still there. Go into that main office, I want information. I want to know what the club knows. Now is your chance to find that without being caught. I expect an answer within the hour.”

---