Only Witness, The by Shannon Flagg Page B

Looked like Vera had forgotten to flip the switch that morning. It wasn't surprising because she'd looked like it had been a rough night. She'd also looked hot even in that animal print patterned robe. If Will hadn't come along he was sure that they were heading back up the stairs to her tiny little apartment.
                  But he had come along, and that was for the best. All Deacon had to do was keep this exchange professional. He could handle that. “Nice to see that you're finally open for a change.” He strode through the door with confidence, found Vera sitting at the chair behind the counter.
                  She popped up quickly, nearly fell but managed to maintain her balance. “Hey. Hi. I was worried that you'd been arrested or something.”
                  “Why would I get arrested?” Deacon moved closer to her.
                  “Will seemed pretty angry,” she replied.
                  “Chief Will is always pretty angry when it comes to me,” Deacon answered shortly. He saw confusion on her face, she'd obviously expected something else from him. Do you have the present ready?”
                  “I do, it's all wrapped and set to go. I have a few cards by the counter if you didn't get one.”
                  “She'll be fine without a card,” Deacon never remembered a card; Adelaide knew better than to expect one from him.
                  “I've got your money too, let me just get it out of the register for you. So, is Adelaide excited about the party tonight? I know how much she loves being the center of attention.”
                  “Yeah,” Deacon replied sourly, “she's excited. You got plans for tonight?” Immediately he regretted asking the question because of the look that crossed her face. He was about to disappoint her.
                  “Not really,” she replied casually, her hand moving up to her hair. “Why?”
                  “If I were you, I'd stay in tonight.” Deacon watched the hopeful expression fade from her face; it was replaced by a red tint to her cheeks.
                  “Do you know something I don't?” She opened the register, removed an envelope and grabbed a box from beneath the counter.
                  Deacon almost laughed in response. He knew so much that she didn't, so much that she'd probably never know, but he didn't say that. “Stay in tonight.” His tone was firm but he hoped not threatening. Why did he care if she felt threatened? Why was he worried about her feelings?
                  “That was my plan anyway,” she informed him as she set the items down in front of him. “I've got an auction in the morning, need to be there early.”
                  “Auction?” Deacon reached out picked up the box, he slipped it in his inner pocket.
                  “Storage units,” she replied shortly, “ones where the owners don't pay. The company auctions off the things inside to make money.”
                  “That's kind of a fucked up way to make a living, profiting off of someone else falling on hard times.” Deacon observed. He watched anger flare in her eyes, felt it push past hurt and embarrassment.
                  “They know it's the outcome if they don't pay,” Vera answered, she looked as if she had more on her mind but kept it to herself. She crossed her arms over her chest in a very defensive gesture.
                  “Is that where you get all of your stuff from?” Deacon didn't know why he was still there; he just needed to grab the envelope from the counter and leave.
                  “No, I have many different ways I find merchandise.” Vera cleared her throat, gripped her arms tighter. “I really hope that Adelaide enjoys her present. Now, if you'll excuse me, I've got a ton of work to