Page 94 of Antagonist

Pete gives me a look, and I nod to say I’ll make sure Ellis is okay.

By the time we’ve gathered all the information we need, it’s past midnight. My clothes stink from the smoke and my head is spinning.

Harrison:Hey, I could use a shower and some company.

Fletcher:Thank fuck. I’ve been waiting for news. Come over.

He must be waiting for me by the door because before I take the two steps to his porch, Fletcher comes out, hugging me tightly.

“Hey, it’s okay. No one was hurt.”

He pulls me inside, and we go straight to his bedroom, past the bed, and into his shower.

His hair is wet from an earlier shower, but he still joins me.

“It was that fucking woman, wasn’t it? She put someone up to it,” he says, lathering the soap before running it over my chest as I shampoo my hair.

“The fire department is going to investigate. We shouldn’t accuse anyone.”

“I know, I’m just…frustrated. Karina and her posse are against us. Fran’s back. Sometimes, I feel as if I’m walking a tightrope between my life as it was and as it will be, but the rope might snap at any moment and I’ll get stuck in the middle forever.”

I put my hand on his chin and tilt his head up.

“You won’t be alone in this, Fletcher.”

“I know,” he sighs. “Do you want to stay?”

“I’d love to.”

Falling asleep with Fletcher in my arms is the best ending for this roller-coaster day.

Unfortunately, it doesn’t help me sleep because I have too many thoughts running through my head to be able to relax.

In the morning, I get up before Fletcher so I can stop by my place to change clothes and get my work stuff. I still manage to be in the office before most people.

“Hey, boss, sorry to say but you look like you had a rough night?” John says, coming into my office with a coffee from Bittersweet.

“I’ve had better nights, that’s for sure, and you’re my most favorite person in the world right now. Thank you for the coffee.”

“No problem, boss. I got your back.” He looks at the rapidly filling office outside before coming in and closing the door. “I thought you should know that Bradley has been asking questions about your old firm. His secretary, who should really get an award for having to put up with him, told me he’s been trying to call them to set up a meeting with one of the partners.”

I want to punch something right now, but I need to stay professional. “Thank you for sharing that, John. I appreciate it.”

“No problem.” He goes back to his desk.

“Hey, John? Can you let me know when Mr. Jones comes in, please? If you can sweet talk his secretary into giving me ten minutes with him, that would be even better.”

“Leave it to me.”

The rest of the morning flies by between the usual client calls and appointments while trying to organize a meeting with the Spring Fair parent committee.

I’m eating a stale sandwich from the staff kitchen vending machine when I get a message from Sage.

Sage:Hey, Arlo filled me in on what’s going on. If you want a venue for the meeting away from prying eyes, you can do it here at the store.

Harrison:Thanks, man. You’re a star.

Sage:Dude, I’m a fucking constellation. At least that’s what my hookups used to say.