“Nothing.”
He pushes his face toward mine, needing me to take him seriously. As if I wasn’t already. Louis is a little scary, to be honest. I’m glad he’s on my side.
“I don’t like that text from your boss. Can you stay somewhere else, like your mom’s?”
I think of Grandma and her tiny apartment. She would love to have me stay, but I can’t risk getting her involved in any of this.
“I’ll get a hotel.”
“Cash only. Pay cash for all meals. Stay off the grid. You are going invisible. Got it?”
This is starting to feel like a TV show, but I don’t say that. “All right. Can I stop in at my apartment to pick up my things?”
“Be quick and be careful. Chances are, after your visit to the police station, they’re watching you already. If you see anyone suspicious or any cameras pointed your way, anything like that, keep walking. Do not go inside if anything feels off.”
“All right. How will we know that things are moving and I’m safe?”
“Things are already moving. As for results, I’ll keep you posted.”
“Do you know how long?” I can’t hide the sudden shine in my eyes. “The thing is, Louis, I’m scared I might be the next one crushed under a bunch of crates.”
I’m used to his glower by now, but this time I sense a little bit of sympathy to it. Just as quickly, it’s back to normal. “Stay away from crates and basements,” he advises.
He leaves with no ceremony, and he takes the leftovers with him.
“He will eat that all week,” Matthew says, watching him go.
“I don’t know how much is left,” I tease. “You both were going in for third helpings.”
He grins. “I’m an eater.”
“So I’ve noticed.”
Now that Louis is gone, our earlier moment of intimacy hovers between us. It appears neither of us is sure what to say next, and I’m starting to feel a little embarrassed. Maybe I shouldn’t have kissed him.
Matthew clears his throat. “Bridget, I have a question, but it might be— Well, I know it is, actually. It’s just that—”
“Go on.”
“Sorry.” He shakes his head. “I don’t know what I was thinking. No. It’s way too much.”
That’s encouraging. “Just ask me.”
“What about if you…” He exhales and holds my gaze. “Okay. Never mind a hotel. Come stay at my place.”
I’m momentarily stunned. Not in a bad way, though.
“I will sleep on the couch,” he quickly assures me, and I’m already disappointed. But there’s always hope. “I guarantee, you will be safe from everyone, including me.”
I hope that last part isn’t true. We’ll see.
chapterTWENTY–FOUR
I have never been so self-aware, so attuned to every sound around me, as I am going into my apartment building after that meeting with Louis. Matthew has insisted he stand by the front door, and while I rush upstairs, he promises to scrutinize anyone who approaches. Between the two of us, he’s the brave one, since he is holding all the evidence in his leather briefcase. I hope Louis is wrong about anyone following me. I feel sick thinking that my problems might harm Matthew.
Moving silently, I unlock my apartment door, then I tiptoe in, scanning every inch of my apartment before I go any farther. From the living room, I sneak to the kitchen, then the bedroom, relieved not to find any intruders behind doors or under my bed, or any evidence of a break-in. Nothing’s been disturbed. I grab my backpack and throw in my toothbrush, hairbrush, makeup, and a change of clothes.
When I have everything pulled together, I peek out my window and spot Matthew four storeys down, hands in his pockets. I pause, struck by what is happening in my life right now, and at such an incredible speed. Yes, the downside is that I evidently work for a gangster, who works for a bigger gangster, and my life could be in danger. On the other hand, what an amazingman I have found in Matthew. As if he hears my thoughts, he glances up, but he can’t see me through the reflective glass. He has no idea which side of the building my apartment is on. I safely take in that face, and my stomach stirs, recalling his lips on mine. What will happen at his place tonight? Will he stay on the couch, or might I tempt him to get more comfortable? He’s an old-fashioned man. Would I ruin everything by doing that?
