“Sure, if I have to.”
“I think it’s best until after the case.”
Konrad removed himself as Roz crossed to the door. She glanced over her shoulder to be sure he was out of sight and then opened it.
Of all the people she hadn’t expected. “Merry!”
Her best friend rushed in to hug her. “I couldn’t wait to get home. I’ve missed you so much!”
Roz welcomed the firm embrace and almost cried, she was so glad to see her. “Oh, Merry, I’m so glad you’re back. I’ve missed you too. A lot!”
“Well, tell me what’s going on. Are you still seeing Konrad?”
Roz turned toward her bedroom. “Hey, sweetie, it’s okay. You can come out.”
“He’s here?” Merry strode to meet him as he rounded the corner and gave him a big hug too.
“Great to see you, Merry,” Konrad said. “Is Jason home? I need to talk to him.”
“Yeah, he should be upstairs talking to Dottie.”
His face fell. “Oh. I’ll wait a while, then.”
“Is anything wrong?”
Roz groaned. “You could say that. Konrad’s been arrested for a crime he didn’t commit and posting bail wiped out his bank account. He was a little late on his rent, and Dottie sent him an eviction notice yesterday.”
Merry gasped. “What? You’ve got to be kidding me!”
“Sorry, Merry,” Konrad said. “It’s no joke.”
“I can’t friggin’ believe it. I’ll be right back, guys. I’m going to have a word with Jason and his aunt.”
Roz didn’t stop her. She flew out the door and up the stairs.
Konrad yelled, “Wait!”
Merry didn’t even slow down.
***
Konrad charged up the stairs and heard Merry demand, “What the hell do you think you’re doing, Dottie? Evicting Konrad for one late payment is ridiculous. Jason, set her straight!”
Konrad appeared at the door she had left wide open.
Dottie reared back and stared at Merry wide eyed. “Excuse me?”
“Honey, that’s not necessary.” Jason put an arm around his furious wife. “I’m taking care of it.”
Konrad quickly interjected, “Merry, Roz didn’t get a chance to tell you. I’m getting the money.”
Dottie crossed her arms. “Oh? And when arewegetting it?”
Just as Merry opened her mouth, Jason held up his hand. “We’ll get it when he has it, Aunt Dottie. There’s no need to rush him.”
Whew. I knew I could count on Jason to be reasonable.
“But his aunt better stay out of choking reach,” he heard Roz think from downstairs. Apparently their telepathy was growing stronger, traveling over greater distances.
