"In my bedroom," Gwen said. "He wanted to play with the packages." A ghost of a smile crossed her features. "Or rather, thekittenswanted to, and they dragged Cash along for the ride."
As Gwen returned her attention to the house across the street, I shrugged out of my coat and laid it across the back of the sofa. When she continued to stare, I told her, "The noise was just Harper if that's what you're worried about."
"Well,that'sgood at least."
At least?I tried again. "And the neighbor's not home ifthat'syour concern."
Gwen moved closer to the front windows. "This doesn't make any sense."
With a chuckle, I moved up behind her. "Yeah, I think she's a little drunk."
Gwen sighed. "I should go get her."
I doubted it would do any good, but I had to give her credit for trying. With a smile, I said, "Alright. I'll come with you."
"No." She whirled to face me. "Definitely not."
My smile faded. "Why?"
"Because then she'll know that you're here."
I stared through the shadows. "Don't you thinks she knows already?"
"Not for sure." Gwen's hands were fisted at her sides. "Unless…you didn't tell her, did you?"
I studied her face. "And if I did?"
"I just wish you hadn't, that's all."
"Why not?" I asked. "You're not allowed to have guests?"
"No. I mean, yeah, I can have guests, it's just that—" At the sound of a creak from upstairs, Gwen visibly stiffened and lowered her voice. "Oh, my God. I think that's Lexie."
I glanced toward the nearby staircase. "You mean upstairs?"
"Yeah. That's where she's sleeping."
At the sound of footsteps somewhere above us, Gwen's eyes widened. She grabbed my hand and gave it a frantic tug, as if to drag me toward the rear of the house.
I didn't budge. "What's the problem?"
Gwen stopped tugging and turned back to me with a pleading look. "What if she comes down?"
My jaw tightened. "So what if she does? What's the issue?"
"There's no 'issue.' I just don't want her to see us, that's all."
That sounded like an issue tome."Why?"
"Justbecause."
Slowly, I removed my hand from hers. "I'll need a better answer thanthat."
"Fine. I'll explain in the bedroom, okay?" She pointed toward the rear of the house. "It's just down that hallway. You go first."
Chapter 44
Gwen
