“No? Unless you’re leaving a lot out, that’s how it seems to me. Did you even ask what she wanted?” Grinder pointed to something outside; I followed his line of sight. “At least she’ll be close by.”
I watched as Rebel carried her boxes from her car into the house Tee-Tee lived in, and waited for her to look this way. She didn’t.
“Come on, then, Rile’s pissing vinegar that we aren’t over there yet.”
I nodded and followed Grinder out, but not before I took one more look over my shoulder. Rebel was angry, but like the other times she was, she’d get over it. She might even be back later tonight.
When I rubbed my hands together in anticipation, Grinder shook his head. “Like I said, you’re a bloody idiot.”
By the time w
e finished the hotwash of the job, I was more bladdered than I had any business being. One thing continued to eat at me. Lynch. We still had no idea who he was.
“You stayed yesterday, Rile. Did anyone mention the name Lynch after I left?”
He shook his head. “No one affiliated with the ABT, past or present. As I said, could Rebel have heard the name wrong?”
It was possible, but since she wasn’t speaking to me, I’d have to wait until tomorrow, or maybe longer, to ask. In fact, it was probably time I went home, just in case she showed up there. I had no idea what bloody time it even was. All I knew was it looked like it was getting dark.
I stood from the table and was about to walk out when Casper put her hand on my arm.
“Can I talk to you for a minute?”
“Always,” I answered, draping my arm around her shoulders.
She waved her hand in front of her face. “You’re drunk. Maybe I should wait until tomorrow.”
“I’m not that drunk.”
Casper laughed. “You are.”
“Come on, what did you want to talk to me about?”
“I was wondering…I heard Rebel left, so…I thought maybe, if you wouldn’t mind…maybe, could I stay with you for a couple of days?”
“Uh, okay. I mean, yes. Of course you can. Can I ask why?”
“I’m thinking about giving up my place in Florida. It’s hard, ya know?”
“I do know.” I shook my head, more to clear my thoughts. I was handling this badly and only because I had a few too many pints. “I was just about to walk over. Come with me?”
“Thanks, Edge. I really appreciate this.” She kissed my cheek. “I have to talk to Rile, but after I do, I’ll grab my stuff and meet you over there.”
With every step I took from Grinder’s place to mine, the feeling that this was a terrible decision grew stronger.
I’d never thought much about window coverings until Grinder mentioned not wanting to see me starkers, but with Casper staying here for a couple of days and Rebel staying over at Tee-Tee’s, I wished I could put draperies over them all.
Was it even close enough that she’d be able to see into the house? I thought briefly about running over to check how much could be seen from there. Terrible idea. What if Tee-Tee shot me for trespassing? Blimey, what a stupid thought that was. Why had I gotten so pissed? What I needed right now was a clear mind, and mine was bloody foggy.
A few minutes later, I heard a knock at the door. I scrubbed my face with my hand and went around the corner to open it, never expecting that instead of Casper, Rebel would be standing on the threshold.
“Can we talk?”
“Uh…sure, sure. Come in.” I looked beyond her for Casper, but it was too dark to see.
“Expecting someone else?”
“Uh…no, no.” Why was I lying to her when Casper would be here at any moment?