"Who?" I said. "The property manager who stopped by this morning?"
He swallowed. "Property manager?"
"Or maybe," I said, "you meant the financial guy?"
"Financial guy?"
"Yeah. The guy on the porch." I gave Lawton a cold smile. "And just so you know, when I say financial guy,Imean someone who manages the home-owner's accounts, not for example, some fucking pimp!"
As I spoke, Lawton's face grew paler and paler, until he looked white as death.
"And the call last night?" he said.
"It was just what I said. And in case you're wondering, she's a woman. And she called me last night because their accounts are all screwed up, which, in case it hasn't escaped your attention, is a whole lot different than screwing for money!"
His brow furrowed. "So she's the home-owner?"
"Renter, owner, hell, at this point, I have no idea. But she definitely lives there." I crossed my arms. "Except, I guess, when she's off in Costa Rica with her husband."
Lawton shook his head. "But the guy who lives in that house, he's not married."
"Oh yeah? How doyouknow?"
"Bishop told me."
"Yeah? Well, maybe he's wrong."
"No. He's never wrong."
I gave him an icy smile. "Then maybe you should askBishopwhether or not I'm a hooker. I mean, he knows everything, right?" I threw up my arms. "Why am I even discussing this with you?" I turned to call over my shoulder. "Chucky!"
Lawton reached out for me. "Baby, c'mon, don't go. Not like this."
I slapped his arms aside. "Look, let me make this really clear. Whatever we had, it's over."
He shook his head. "Don't say that. C'mon. I’m sorry, alright?"
"No," I said. "It's not alright. What is it with you? Why do always assume the worst about me?"
"I don't."
"You do." I turned and stalked through the house, looking for Chucky, and beyond eager to leave.
"C'mon, Chloe." Lawton's voice broke. "Don’t go like this."
I whirled to face him. "You've got to promise me something."
"Anything," he said.
"Don't call me. Don't talk to me. Don't–"
"Baby, c'mon—"
"Don't write me. Don't email me. Don't text me. And, if you see me on the street, don't fucking wave to me." I choked down a sob. "Just leave me alone, alright?"
He reached out, trying to gather me in his arms. Again, I slapped his hands aside. "What part of leave me alone don't you understand?"
"But Baby, you're upset."
