Page 20 of Cruel Malady: A Necrosis of the Mind

“And what did our friend Ericson do to earn a spot on your list?”

“I don’t discuss clients or targets,” I say. “It’s unfortunate enough that you know who he is.”

“Come on,” he prods. “Who am I going to tell? I’m in a lab all day and talk to molecules and cells.”

I stay firm. “Absolutely not. You don’t want to get involved in this, Alex.”

His mouth tips into an endearing grin.

“What?” I ask.

“I like how you said my name. Sounds like we’re friends.”

I reach for my mug. “You need to guard yourself better, or else you’ll keep winding up in supply closets.” I drain the rest of the now-cold cappuccino.

He watches me while he drinks the rest his own coffee. The waitress offers us a refill and I shake my head. “Just the check,” I say. “Thanks.”

“You don’t have to cover me,” Alex says.

“It’s the least I can do.” I reach into my tote. “I mean, after I drugged you and all.” I pause while holding my billfold. “Although you did botch my job.”

“For that, I’m sorry I got in the way,” he says, but his knowing grin conveys he’s not sorry in the least.

I pay the tab and put my credit card away in my bag. “It was…interesting to meet you, Dr. Alex Chambers. Have a nice life, and try not to end up on my list.”

“Wait—” He goes to reach for my wrist, but holds his hand up at the last moment. “Sorry. Reflex. But I’m a quick learner. No touching.”

Halted, I stare down at him. Waiting.

“When can I see you again?” he asks.

I bite the corner of my lip. Does this guy have a death wish, or is he just that bored with his life? “I don’t think that’s a good idea.”

“Why not?”

“Alex…” I sigh. “Look, you’re a clever guy. And honestly, I’m tempted to offer you some kind of monetary compensation for that application you developed. It’s definitely a program that interests me. But—”

“But you’re not interested in making new friends.”

“I don’t do friends. Like you, I work a very solitary job. I happen to like it that way.”

He considers this a moment, then: “But I know who you are, Blakely. I know what you do. I’m a loose end…just dangling out here in the wild.”

I sit back down. “Are you trying to blackmail me? Just for the record, that’s a terrible way to try to make a friend.” Even so, I’m curious to find out just what he thinks he has on me.

He leans forward. “You’re either going to have to create a whole new identity or kill me.” When I stay silent, he laughs awkwardly. “Sorry. Terrible joke. I’m really bad at this.”

“You really are,” I agree.

He reclines back in the chair and crosses his arms. “What I mean is, you’re going to have to develop a new revenge scheme for Ericson, right?” He arches an eyebrow. “It’s not as if you can bait him as an escort again.”

I don’t like that he’s put this much thought into it, but he’s right. I doubt Ericson will call on my services again after the way I left him holding his aching balls. I have to devise a different strategy to get access to his office computer, or construct a new revenge plan altogether.

“That’s not really any of your concern,” I say, and start again to stand.

“Hear me out.” His wide eyes implore me to listen. “I have a mandatory week of vacation time, and I know I’m going to lose my mind just sitting around my apartment. Let me make last night up to you. Let me help you with this one job for the next few days.”

I shake my head. “I don’t need help.”

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