I feel like I’ve been sleeping for days.
My head is still a little sore but much better than it was yesterday. I roll to my back, but Deklan isn’t on his side of the bed. The sheets aren’t cold yet, so he hasn’t been up long. I stretch my arms above my head and yawn and lean my body over enough to see the bathroom door, but Deklan isn’t in there.
The smell of coffee drags me from bed and toward the kitchen. I can see Deklan as he leans one hand on the kitchen island and holds one of his disposable phones in the other. He’s speaking so softly, I can’t make out what he’s saying, so I hesitantly move closer. Suddenly, Deklan raises his voice loud enough for me to hear the words.
“I don’t give a shit, you motherfucking maggot! You’ve got an hour—one hour—to get it all, or you and I will be having more than just a little chat. After that, the only conversation we will be having is my fist finding its way into your brain through that big mouth of yours!”
I place my hand over my mouth and take a step backward into the hallway, closer to the bedroom door.
“Don’t even think about running. I always find runners. When I do, the only thing left to recover is pieces.”
Deklan flips the phone closed, opens a kitchen drawer, and tosses it inside. He slams the drawer shut and leans against the counter for a moment, breathing deeply enough that I can see his shoulders rise and fall. He stands up straight, and I run back to the bed. I climb in quickly as I hear his footsteps in the hallway, pull the sheet up to my neck, and close my eyes.
I will my heart to stop pounding so hard as Deklan approaches the side of the bed.
“Babe? You awake?”
“Hmm?” I feign sleep as best I can as I open my eyes and see him crouch beside the bed.
“How’s the head?”
“It’s all right.” I reach back and rub the spot. “Just a little tender.”
“Good.” He reaches out and runs his hand over my cheek. “I have to run off for a little while.”
“Where are you going?”
“Business.”
“I thought you had the weekend off.” I pull the sheet up to my chest as I sit up.
“Shouldn’t be long.” He leans over and kisses my forehead. “There’s coffee ready. Make a grocery list and we’ll go shopping when I get back.”
“Where are you going?” I shouldn’t press. I know I shouldn’t, but his harsh words on the phone are rattling around in my head.
Deklan takes my chin in his hand and stares intently into my eyes.
“I don’t want to ever have to lie to you,” he says, his voice dark and his eyes even darker. “Sometimes, it’s best to not ask questions.” He places a finger between my eyes and slowly draws it down to the tip of my nose. “I just want to keep you safe.”
I nod slowly, and Deklan taps the tip of my nose before he smiles and stands back up.
“I won’t be long,” he says again.
I nod once more, and he’s gone a moment later. I have no idea what else I should do, so I get up, take a quick shower, and put on some of the clothing Deklan brought me.
Candle wax from last night’s festivities covers the bathroom counter. The wax is white and hard, so it comes up easily. I clean up the rest of the bathroom and head to the kitchen for coffee and toast.
While I nibble, I dig through the freezer and cupboards until I find enough ingredients to make a simple casserole and get it in the oven for later.
After I’ve eaten, I stand in the middle of the apartment, wondering what the hell I should do with myself between now and when Deklan returns. I’d really like to check my phone, but I know I’m not supposed to use it. Though I’ve been out of school for some time, there are a few friends I’ve stayed in contact with, and one of my online book clubs is supposed to be discussing the latest C.D. Reiss book.
I glance at the television, but I’ve never been much of a TV watcher. I’m antsy, and I feel the need to do something physical. I glance at the dishes in the sink, rinse them off, and get the dishwasher going.
Should I clean the rest of the place?
Under the kitchen sink, I find some all-purpose cleaner and sponges.
“I shall embrace my role as apartment wife!” I say out loud, and I hold the cleaning supplies up high. I giggle, covering my mouth with my forearm and then have a sudden moment of dread. Is this place monitored? Are there hidden cameras and microphones around the room where Deklan can see what I’m doing?