Page 35 of The Escort

Harper’s face contorts into further anger. “Are you threatening to write the story if we don’t? Is that what you’re saying?”

“All I’m saying is I want to help. Think about it.” I pull two business cards from my purse and set them on the table. “Think about it and call me if you think of anything that might help. Anything.”

Three days later, I got a text from Cassie. Unfortunately, all it reads is “Lucy Deetman.”

Chapter 13

There’s a knock on my door. I glance at my cell. No one’s tried to call. And after my last encounter with Chosen, I don’t think she’d show up unannounced. Then again, I wouldn’t put anything past the woman.

I get up and open the door. “Hey, Cassie.”

“Hi.” She smiles.

“Come in,” I say, uncertain about the unexpected visit.

“Thanks.” She moseys on in. “How’s the Manchester’s coming along?”

Oh, she’s here about the paint job. “Almost there, maybe another week or so.”

“Good.” She glances around my place. “Lix?”

“Yeah?” I smile, waiting for her to respond.

“What’s going on with you and that reporter?”

“Why?” Did Brett send Cassie fishing for information? No. Cassie’s not one to do another’s bidding.

“I don’t know.” She wanders over to a bookshelf. “She was at the office the other day. I was just wondering. Do you think she’ll write a story about the escort service?”

Oh, so this is what the visit is about. “You don’t need to worry about that. Nothing is going to happen to Brett. I don’t think she’s after that story.”

She turns around with a book in her hand. “What is she after then?”

“I don’t know, but not that.”

She holds the book out. “How can you be so sure?”

“Did you want to read that?” I chuckle.

“Oh, no.” She slips the book back on the shelf. “I’m too busy right now for a book.” She moves toward me. “Do you trust her?”

“Who? Chosen?” That’s a strange question. Why would Cassie ask me that? Not that it’s a bad question. Do I?

She nods, gazing at me with observant eyes.

“I’m sure you know with my past, like Brett and Cole, trust doesn’t come easy for us.” I scratch my head, trying to understand where she’s coming from. “But it’s not like I’m not leaving the door open.”

“So you’re giving her the opportunity to be trusted?” Her head tilts to the side, examining me like she did when we first met. As if seeing me through new eyes. It’s uncomfortable. I thought we were past this since she’s like family. “Do you think that’s wise?”

“I don’t know. But Brett left it open for you, and look what that got him.” I grin.

“Are you saying you have feelings for her?”

“Fuck.” I throw my hand in the air, frustrated over all these questions. “I’m not sure. I’m trying to figure it out. It’s complicated, ya know?”

“Are you saying that’s what she’s after? You don’t think it’s to hurt you or anything?”

“What’s with all the questions, Cassie?”

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