AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“That’s not true,” I replied quickly. “Work is fine. I just haven’t been sleeping very well.”
Etta winked suggestively and flopped back against the chaise, pushing her sunglasses over her eyes.
“Because of your new man, right?”
I stifled a groan. “There’s no new man, Etta.”
At least that much was true. There was nothing new about Elijah. I paused, thinking about my next words carefully.
“In fact… I was looking to make a little extra money,” I added delicately.
Etta sat back up and lowered her sunglasses once more. “Why, honey? Are you in trouble? What happened? Orson said you were looking to move. What’s going on?”
The rapid-fire inquisition put me on guard again.
The gossip vine is thick in these parts.
Managing a thin smile, I shook my head. “I’m not in trouble, and I’m not moving. I was just thinking about putting away a nest egg… Anyway, a little extra never hurt anyone, you know? I mean, we’re getting older, and it’s time to think of the future.”
Etta’s eyes narrowed, the crinkle of her minor crow’s feet showing but disappearing as she snickered.
“I like to think we have another half century at least,” she chirped, waving her hand dismissively, falling back down again in dramatic fashion.
It was difficult to have a serious conversation with her, especially when she was so out of the loop. But I had to try. She was the closest link to Orson.
I gulped back the bile rising in my throat. “I thought that maybe Orson might be into some other stuff that I could get into, too.”
I tried to bat my lashes endearingly, but I was sure I looked like an idiot. Etta stared at me uncomprehendingly from over her glasses.
“Other stuff?” she echoed. “Like what?”
She’s going to make me spell it out. She doesn’t know anything. Just leave it before you make an ass out of yourself.
“Oh, I don’t know,” I replied, tittering nervously, unable to walk away. “Anything. Maybe extra runs or… um, maybe running something else?”
She continued to stare at me. “Is Orson moving guns to humans?” she asked. “That doesn’t seem like his MO. He’s always complaining about having to deal stow to them.”
“Maybe he’s moving humans themselves?” I blurted out, unable to keep up this coy little dance I’d instigated.
Etta’s eyes widened, her jaw dropping. “What?!”
I stood quickly, eager to backtrack my opinion.
Very tactful, Abby. Well done,I chided myself.
“It’s just a rumor I heard,” I muttered quickly. “It’s probably nothing.”
Etta shook her black bob vehemently. “I can’t imagine—my Orson? Are you sure?”
“No,” I said quickly. “I’m not.”
Etta stared at me, dumbfounded. “And you would want a part of this?” she demanded, appalled.
Mortified, I shook my head. “Well, no—yes, I mean, I just was looking to make some extra money,” I sighed, dropping my eyes. “I’m not judging.”
Etta stared daggers at me, and I continued to fumble in my nervousness.
“And I’d really appreciate it if you didn’t tell him about this conversation. I’m sorry I brought it up.”
