If it weren't me being interrogated, I might have admired her persistence. But itwasme, and I wasn't eager to say more. The whole thing was embarrassing as hell. And it would be evenmoreembarrassing if the media showed up and started making it a thing.
Shit.Ryder would lovethat.
I wasn't exactly famous, but I wasn't an average Joe either. The last thing I needed was attention – especially now, while I was living in a dump and working for food.
It would make for a hell of a story, starring me as the village idiot.
No fucking thanks.
Finally, I replied, "No."
Maisie's eyebrows furrowed. "No?"
"I'm not in hiding." I said it calmly, but in a tone meant to end a conversation, not invite a follow-up.
But Maisie wasn't having it. "You sure? Because this whole no-name, no-paperwork thing feels a little sketchy."
This wasn't what I wanted to hear. "So you think I'm what? Dodging taxes?"
"No, because then you'd be wanting cash."
"Which I don't." I gave her a stiff smile. "End of story."
She didn't smile back. "Just give me a reason." Her voice grew quiet. "Because the last thing I need is trouble."
Trouble for Maisie wasn't my idea of a good time either. "With who?"
"I don't know," she said. "The law…the IRS…whoever."
Only an idiot wouldn't see her point. And me? Village or not, I was no idiot. Plus, the worry in her eyes was hitting me in all the wrong places. I sighed.Screw it."Alright. You want the reason?"
She nodded.
Truth time."Because I don't need the money." Sure, it wasn't the whole truth, but it was true enough.
She gave a little shake of her head. "But wait…that's not what you told me in the beginning…when you offered to work here, I mean."
"Oh, yeah? What'd I say?"
She paused as if thinking. "That you're living in a dump."
"Which I am."
"And that you have almost no cash."
"Which I don't."
"So how can you not need money?" She let out a laugh that sounded close to cracking. "You're not like a secret billionaire or something, are you?"
I gave it some thought. Depending on today's market, the answer could go either way. It was time for a dodge. With a scoff, I replied, "Sure, I've got a limo waiting down the street."
"Yeah, right." She smirked. "Except no limos are allowed. You know that."
I shrugged. "Well there ya go."
She didn't look amused. "Seriously, I need to know." Her eyes searched mine. "How can you not need money?"
Good question. It was the second time she'd asked it. And from the look on her face, she'd be asking it a third if I didn't offer a better answer.
