Beauty and the Assassin

The lie couldn’t have been easy for her. She was close to Ben. They actually dated during our senior year.

–Courtney: So everything’s good in L.A.?

–Me: Yeah.

Then I hesitate for a second. Sh

ould I tell her about Tolyan? The fact that the universe has given me a positive sign after eight years means so much that I’m bursting with the need to tell someone.

Well, it’s probably okay to share a little with Courtney. I’ll leave out the details that could put Tolyan in a bad situation.

–Me: I think things could work out.

–Courtney: What things?

–Me: I found somebody who I think can help me with Roy.

–Courtney: Wow. That’s great! So the cops there are taking you seriously?

–Me: Not a cop. Somebody I met.

–Courtney: Somebody you met? Are you sure he’s legit?

–Me: I’m pretty sure.

–Courtney: He could be a scammer. Just out to take your money and not do what he promised.

–Me: No, he isn’t taking money or anything. Actually, he’s been helping me with security.

Ambiguous enough that she can’t find out who he is, but basically honest, I decide.

–Courtney: Did he say what he wants from you?

–Me: No, nothing. I wish he would. If there’s something I can do for him, I’d like to do it.

–Courtney: Okay, you’re scaring me. Just who is this guy?

She’s so freaked out. I understand her concern. I would be too if the situation were reversed. On the other hand, I don’t want to tell her exactly who Tolyan is or how we met.

–Me: Like I said, just somebody I met. He’s totally aboveboard.

–Courtney: Well, be careful. He could be doing it for his own reasons. Ask you to traffic drugs, sell you into sex slavery. Anything. I read about that stuff, you know.

I shake my head. I wish I could tell her more, but at the moment, I can’t.

Before I can respond, another text comes in.

–Courtney: I mean, maybe he’s not a criminal. But he might make you owe him one, and want you to pay him back in a way you aren’t comfortable with. Just saying you should figure out what’s in it for him.

I don’t think he’s going to ask me to pay him back, but it wouldn’t be a bad idea to find out why he’s helping me. It sure isn’t because I tried to blackmail him. He could’ve killed me and dumped my body many times over since I met him in the parking garage yesterday.

My gosh. Now that I think back on it, we’ve only known each other for three days. But somehow it feels like a lot longer. And my gut says I can trust him to keep me safe. But how do you explain that to a freaked-out friend? She isn’t going to understand what I’m feeling. She hasn’t met him and is basing her fears on assumptions.

After a moment of consideration, I type my reply.

–Me: Don’t worry, I’ll be careful. Maybe we can talk more after Roy’s taken care of.

–Courtney: Okay. You owe me all the stories!