I nail in the final piece of trim and turn. “Thanks. I’ll fill in the nail holes and that’s it.”
He nods, looking around the bedroom. “I’ll put it on the market by Friday.”
“I’ll be out this weekend.”
“Take your time.” He tips his chin up. “What’s with the plant?”
I glance over at the damn peace lily. I should have given it to the Asian guy too, but I didn’t.
“She left it.”
“Scarlet?”
I nod, sweeping up the saw dust.
“You want me to take it to her?”
I grunt. “I’m sure they have houseplants in London.”
“Probably, but London doesn’t have Scarlet Stone.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?” I bend down and sweep the pile into the dust pan.
“A couple of days ago I received a call from a guy who owns an apartment in town. Scarlet listed me as a reference on her rental application. Later that afternoon, she showed up at thehouse, on a bicycle—an old Schwinn. Said it was all she could afford for now.”
“And what did she want?” I try to sound like I don’t care, because I don’t.
“A job. She wanted to know if I knew of any good job openings.”
“Why—” I stop myself.
“Why what?”
“Nothing.” I shake my head.
It was nothing.
It was a lie.
It’s over.
I’m leaving soon, and I won’t be returning.
CHAPTER TWENTY
My name is Scarlet Stone and my biggest fear is that someday I will find what I want most in life and it will be impossible to steal.
Scarlet
Ihave abicycle with a tire that keeps deflating, a one-bedroom flat free of anoles at the moment, and a job that pays a dollar over minimum wage because my boss is a total tight arse. He says the benefits make up for the low pay, that and it’s a made-up job—one I made up.
“You’re late.”
I bump Nolan’s arm on purpose as I invite myself inside his mansion. “I had to stop three times to pump up my tire.” I hold up my small bike pump.
“You should buy a new tire or acar.”
“When you pay me my first wages, I will get a new tire. The car will require a bit more money in the bank.” I drop my rucksack and water bottle by the door and slip off my trainers.
