Page 9

CHAPTER NINE

FORD: Checking for signs of life.

JULIET: That depends.

FORD: On?

JULIET: Why you aren’t at the game tonight?

FORD: You keeping tabs on me?

JULIET: No

FORD: Then why are you watching the game? A guy might think you care.

JULIET: I don’t. It’s on at the bar.

FORD: What bar?

JULIET: The one I work at.

FORD: Interesting.

JULIET: Why’s that?

FORD: Just another piece of the puzzle.

JULIET: Are you going to answer my question?

FORD: Only if you answer one of mine.

JULIET: The Rusty Spoon

FORD: It’s cute you think that was my question.

FORD: But thank you for that little slice of information.

JULIET: eye roll emoji

FORD: What did Earl want from you?

JULIET: It’s none of your business.

FORD: Same.

JULIET: Fine. He wanted money.

FORD: Why?

JULIET: Nope. Answer my question first. Why aren’t you in Atlanta?

FORD: Doc said I’ve got a small fracture in my hand.

JULIET: Shit. I’m sorry.

FORD: *gasp* she curses.

JULIET: eye roll emoji

FORD: My hand is fine.

JULIET: Right. And I like living in an apartment the size of what once was my closet.

FORD: We could change that.

JULIET: I don’t need your help.

FORD: The sky is purple.

JULIET: What?

FORD: I thought we were saying things that aren’t true.

JULIET: You’re infuriating.

FORD: Again, I’ve been called worse.

JULIET: While this has been fun I need to get back to work.

FORD: Did Earl come back for the money?

JULIET: Not yet.

FORD: Will you tell me when he does?

JULIET: No.

FORD: Etta.

JULIET: I told you before. I won’t involve you in this.

FORD: And I won’t let them hurt you.

FORD: Juliet

FORD: Shit, I’m sorry if I push too hard. I just needed to know you’re alright. I don’t want to fight with you about this, but I can’t let you deal with whatever this is on your own.

FORD: I’m not going to let them take advantage of you.

FORD: It’s been an hour. Are you ignoring me?

FORD: Damn it, just let me know you’re okay.

JULIET: Ford.

JULIET: What the fuck did you do?