Page 23 of Forbidden

“Okay. We gotta find out who it is. She’s not talking.”

“You wanna put one of the boys on her?” E asks.

“No. I don’t want to spook her. She’s already pissed at me. I’ll figure something out.”

“Okay. Let me know. I’m off to work.”

“Cool.”

He returns the chair to its place and heads out the door. I need a shower. Besides, I do my best thinking in there. Halfway to the bathroom, my phone rings. A part of me wants to let it ring but then again, it’s the burner phone so it might be important. I sigh and pick it up.

“Hello.”

“Gage, it’s Millie.”

“What’s up?”

“Had a talk with Raven after you left.”

“Oh? Did you find out what’s wrong?”

“Not really. She did say she needs money for an apartment, though. Asked for more hours.”

Money? Apartment?What does she need an apartment for? Then again, I can’t blame her. It can’t be easy living with Lonnie. People do strange things when they need money. I hope that bruise has nothing to do with it.

“Give her the hours. And double her pay. Tell her you’re doing it off the books. I’ll cover it. Just don’t let her know I’m involved.”

The line is quiet and I think maybe I’ve lost her.

“Millie?”

“I’m here. It’s just…”

“Just what?”

“You’re a good man, Gage. What’s your interest in the girl? You know she’s –”

“I know, Millie. There’s nothing inappropriate going on.”

“Okay. She’s a good girl and she means a lot to me. Kinda like my own daughter. Not that I’m old enough to be her mother.”

I chuckle and shake my head and Millie giggles on the other end.

“Of course not. More like her sister.”

“You got that right. I’ll talk to you later, baby boy.”

“Bye. And thanks.”

“No. Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.”

“Bye.”

“Hey, Millie? Send me her number, will you?”

“I’ll text it to you.”