Page 6 of Claimed By my Fake Husband

Frustration builds fast, my pulse hot. She's baiting me, and I can't figure out why. She might want someone to blame right now, but she's smart enough to know it won't help.

"I didn't say anything. My goal was to work seamlessly with the authorities. That pans out better, avoids headaches. You might want to try it."

"God, that's reductionist. I've worked with cops for months. Hell, my whole life. Still got plenty of headaches."

I pinch the bridge of my nose, eyes shut. "Would you please just?—"

Ding dong.

The doorbell cuts me off. We both glance toward the front door.

"Did you order more stuff?"

I shake my head. "No. Stay here."

I don't wait for a reply before heading to the door. It rings again just as I arrive, and of course Tess didn't listen. She's right behind me.

"You could at least pretend to listen to me."

"No." She shoots back, and I clench my jaw, looking through the peephole.

An older couple stands outside with a basket. Nothing smells like trouble, but I keep one hand behind my back, gun at the ready, as I open the door.

"Hello. How can we help you?" My voice comes out level, calm.

The woman steps forward first, grinning so wide it looks painful. Dress, cardigan. The man behind her wears a polo and khakis, radiating pure golf-bro energy.

"Hi there," she chirps, pitch climbing. "I'm Polly! This is Bradley. We just wanted to welcome you to the neighborhood."

She thrusts the basket at me, and I take it with one hand, reluctant.

"We're your neighbors from across the street, and whenever someone new moves in, we host a welcome party!" Her enthusiasm is giving me a headache. "Tomorrow evening, come on over. We'll barbecue, get to know each other."

"Oh, we don't want to impose. We're just getting settled and?—"

"Nonsense, sweetheart." Polly cuts Tess off clean. "No imposition at all. Perfect time to meet the neighbors, take a break from unpacking. Five o'clock, right across the street. Oh, it's getting late — we'll see you tomorrow."

"Bring your golf clubs," Bradley adds — his first words, and they confirm every assumption I had about him. "I've got a putting green out back."

"We'll see you then," I say. "Thank you for the welcome."

Tess seems to remember herself. "We'll be delighted. See you then."

"Toodles!" Polly waves, and the two of them head back across the street.

I shut the door after one last wave, locking it behind us.

"Do you have a gun on you?"

Her blunt question pulls me out of my own head. I nod.

"Yes. I'm your bodyguard. Had it on me all day."

"Fucking hell, you could've told me. What if I bumped into it or something and it went off?"

"The safety's on. That's not really how guns work."

She throws her hands up and heads for the stairs. "Not the point. I'm going to bed."