The moment our lips brush, Reggie appears at our side, pulling on Braden’s shoulder to separate us. He glares at him, then indicates that he wants me to follow him. Without waiting, he places his arm around my waist and pulls me beside him. I grab hold of Braden’s hand, so I don’t lose him. I don’t know that I want to be alone with Reggie.
We enter another room. It's some sort of an office, and is in stark contrast to the rest of the house. This room has more of an old world feel to it, with a large wooden desk and plush carpeting. I feel my heeled feet sink into the pile and wish for a moment that I could take my shoes off, to feel the thickness between my toes.
Reggie sits us all on a couch that's such a dark red that it almost appears black.
“Braden tells me that you are the one who's procuring all the IDs.”
“I am,” I confirm.
“You seem to be very good at what you do Paige. But, I wasn’t aware you were working for me. I need to approve all of the people that work for me. You see, this is quite an embarrassing situation. Braden has changed his role within my organisation without actually consulting me. It wasn’t until I started asking questions about the increase in stolen IDs, that I found out what he was doing - and of course about you. Braden made quite an error bringing you on without consulting me.”
“He did?”
Braden sits on the side chair with his elbows resting on his knees as he leans forward and watches us carefully. He looks uncomfortable. Anxious. I feel the same way.
“I have to be honest. You wouldn’t be my first choice for what you’re doing. You’re far too… striking. Too memorable. I’m surprised no one has spotted or reported you yet.”
“Like you said – I’m good at what I do.”
“I’m sure you’re good at… a great many things.” His eyes slide over my body as if he’s licking me with them. My eyes flick toward Braden who is bouncing his leg in agitation.
“Thank you,” I say, almost in question. I’m not quite sure how to respond.
“Braden? Don’t you think Paige is too beautiful to be a purse snatcher?”
“Of course I do Reggie,” he mumbles, rubbing his hands over his neck and face. I don’t know if it’s the drugs affecting him or if there’s something really wrong going on here.
“Then why do you have her doing it?”
“Because I didn’t want to be a delivery guy anymore.”
“Well you didn’t ask me if you could change jobs. I expect you to resume your usual role.”
Braden’s face drops and he freezes, causing panic to rise up inside me. What’s going on?
“But…” Braden starts.
“Just have her brought to me on Monday – I’m busy tomorrow. And Braden, I don’t think I need to remind you what will happen if you don’t,” he says pointedly before he stands up and claps his hands. “Well - thanks for coming to see me. I’ll let the bar know you can have one more round on me. Enjoy the party, and I’ll see you both Monday.”
He walks out and leaves Braden and me on our own.
“What’s going on Braden? What does he want me for?”
Braden runs his hands over his head and completely messes up his previously perfect hair. My eyes grow wide as I watch him lean back in his chair and look up at the ceiling while he blows out his breath.
“Braden!” He’s making me even more nervous than I already was.
“He wants you to be one of his girls,” he mumbles.
“His girls?”
Braden nods. “I’m sorry.”
“What does that even mean?”
“I don’t know exactly. Well… I do… I’m… I’m just sorry.”
“Then tell me!”
“No.” His brow furrows as his eyes shine with water, and he shakes his head. “I can’t.”
“Shit Braden!” I hiss, standing up and pacing the room. “How could you not tell me we were mixed up in something like this?! I thought we were selling the IDs to some backyard operation and buying our drugs from the same kind of thing. This is… this is way more than I’m ok with. I don’t want to be some guy’s girl Braden. You have to get me out of this!”
“I don’t know if I can.”
I lean forward and place my hands on my knees and try to calm my breath. “Well, what are our options?”
“What kind of options are you talking about? The ones where we live or the ones where we die?”