“How comfortable.”
I hesitate, just long enough to be respectful. “If I never played another game, I would be fine. Not extravagant. But safe, a roof over my head, warm, and fed.”
Sofie exhales quietly beside me.
Her father thinks for a moment, the question clearly forming before he says it. “Then why keep playing.”
I answer without thinking. “Because I’m good at it.”
“One of the best, actually,” Sofie says quietly beside me. I look down at her. “Statistically accurate.”
Cute as shit, I think as I look back at her father. “And because I don’t need it.”
That earns a real look.
“You don’t want my daughter’s money then?” he asks.
“Dad, he makes way more than I do.” She sighs.
Another pause. He looks at Sofie now, really looks at her, then back to me.
“That,” he says, walking to a chair, “is a good thing.”
Sofie blinks, surprised.
“For the record. I don’t like anyone who needs my daughter. But I respect a man who chooses her.” He says as he moves to a leather chair.
Seated, he looks around.
“Miss Fairfax.”
“Shit, I am so sorry,” she says.
“I just wanted to let you know, he was awake when I went in. He’s aware of why I’m here.”
“He knows they’re here?” she asks.
He nods, “He said it was a good day, and he wasn’t going to let them muck it up. He asked me to tell them he was asleep and that he or Sofie would contact them tomorrow.”
“I’m so sorry about all this, officer,” she glances at his name badge. “Marino.”
“They’re still down there, but after I tell them to leave, could I use the lobby to take a statement?”
“I’m sorry, what?” she asks.
“Faulker’s going to press charges against Rathburn.” I tell her.
“I’m so confused.” She sighs.
“Sexual assault or harassment, I’m not sure which one, but mine was harassment. Half the fucking locker room has hadtheir dick rubbed without consent by that bitch. If he comes forward, maybe others will.” She glances at Deacon and Claudia, “Not Moretti. He was here before she came aboard. It seems she fucks with ‘immigrants’, loves to remind us how lucky we are to be here. Power play.”
“Does Costello know?” she asks.
“Hell no.”
“Well, that’s stupid,” she huffs. “You should have told him. He’d have buried her.” She looks at Marino. “Not literally, he’s not a criminal.”
“I wear this badge to remind me, either I am. Doesn’t mean they don’t deserve that.” He looks from her to me. “She lay hands on you anywhere?”
