9. Chapter 9

Chapter 9

Caleb

I ’m angry. I’m turned on. And she doesn’t fight me as I force her into the living room, pulling her close to my body, so her nose touches mine. Her eyes are on mine, darkness in them, as my eyes are hooded, looking down at her, wanting so badly to fuck her again, this time harder, taking my time, savoring her. Equal parts anger and want is in her eyes, too, as her chest heaves, while her calves hit the back of her sectional. Gaze fixed on hers, hands on her chest, I tear open her blouse-style dress, listening to the buttons fly and land on the floor, like someone just dropped an open bag of M he’s not the charitable type. And if he knew that I was messing with a former drug dealer, he’d kill me.”

“And the spies don’t even know?”

“Far as I know, no. They just think I’m fucking her, but I’m not. Never have. Gretchen’s gay. Peg was the product of a rape.”

She grabs her stomach. “God, what a nightmare.”

I nod. “Aye. I couldn’t not help her, you know. It tore my heart out. And Gretchen’s a real honest lass, you know. She’d never hurt a soul. She couldn’t have an abortion, either. It was too painful for her. Her story really hit home.”

“So, what happened? Why does Gretchen need money?”

I sigh. “She lost her job a couple of weeks ago, and didn’t tell me, plus the water heater just broke. I’ve been meaning to get her into a better place, but the owner of the place will take cash, and it’s hard to buy a house without da knowing about it.”

“And you go out there, back to Scotland, and give her money?”

I nod. “Aye. And with the murder investigation, I can’t go back to Scotland. If I send her money, da’s going to find out about it.”

“You think he’ll really be pissed off?”

My eyes widen. “Oh, yeah. Me getting mixed up with an ex-drug user? He’d kill me.”

She’s silent for a beat. “Well, Caleb, I can go out there and help her. If you want. I’ve got a meeting in Scotland tomorrow, in fact. I was going to go for the week. Da’s already out there as of today.”

My heart skips a beat. “Are you serious?”

“Of course I’m serious, Caleb.” She says with conviction. “That is one difference between your da and mine. Do you know how many charities we give to? Da has an agent that he’s hired, to field all the calls and organize all the charity that we do, without letting it be known to the public. He’s careful to keep all donations anonymous, to avoid the barrage.”

“That’s the main reason why my da doesn’t give. He knows that once he does, the calls will be never ending.”

“Exactly. But that’s why we have Jessica. Da is big on giving. We have a percentage that we give to various charities each year, and it grows annually. I get it why you’d want to give to this poor woman. And I’ll go out there and help out if you like.”

I look at her and smile. “I would really appreciate it, Laney. That’s very kind of you.”

She purses her lips into a smile. “I’m happy to.”

I lean in and kiss her. “Thanks.”

“You’re welcome. And your secret is safe with me, Caleb.”

I kiss her again. “Thank you.”

She pulls back. “What does Gretchen do for a living?”

“She’s a waitress. I tried hard to get her to go to school, but she lacks confidence, I’m afraid. I’ve been trying to convince her to come to the states, but she’s terrified. Gretchen’s a good mama, too, but she’s been so messed up with the wrong side of town, so I keep her safe, in a small place, where everyone knows everyone, so that wards off the ruffians, you know?”

“Well, bringing her to the states might intimidate the hell out of her then, Caleb.”

“Aye, I know.” I nod. “But Peg starts school next year, and I’d like to bring her here for that. The pissant little town where they’re living doesn’t have the best school.”

“So, move her, Caleb. It might be the best thing for her.”

“She doesn’t want to move.”

“Well, maybe I could talk to her.”

I look her over, searching her eyes. “Laney, don’t take this wrong, but it might help if you tell her about us. You know, that we’re…sleeping together.” I lick my lips and measure my words carefully. “She’s gay and you’re drop-dead beautiful. I just don’t want anything to come of that.”

The look on her face changes. She kisses me again but says nothing more.