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Even as I worked to put together a plate for him, I kept looking over to where Darby now sat silently in one chair, while Storm occupied another.
He now had earbuds in, speaking and I could only guess he was having a conversation with Tex. From time-to-time Storm would laugh softly, but other than that he wasn’t speaking loud enough for me to get everything he’d been saying to Tex.
“How long have you been working with Storm?” I asked.
Beam thanked me for the plate and sat at the table with a glass of water.
“Not very long.” He offered me a one shoulder shrug. “Right before you disappeared, I think.”
“I didn’t disappear.”
“Yes, P.” Beam stared at me. “You did. You left without telling him—you left without a trace and to his cop’s brain, you disappeared. You hurt him.”
I sighed. “I don’t have to tell him my location all the time. He doesn’t own me.”
“I think you’re missing the point, P.” Beam chewed. “And I don’t think I’ve known him long enough to offer any kind of argument about this entire relationship the two of you have. This is a conversation you’re going to have to have with him.”
I frowned and flopped in one of the chairs.
“But a piece of advice?” Beam continued.
I arched a brow.
“Keep that man away from Storm.” Beam lifted some rice to his lips. “If you don’t, you’re going to have to bury him, and I’ll make sure P’Storm gets away with it.”
He stood, pushed the rest of his food away and walked over to where the plates were kept. I supposed he’d watched me as I prepared his.
Quickly, he shared some food for Storm, poured a glass of cold water and grabbed a fork. He carried it back to Storm and I sat and watched as Storm finished his call and looked up at Beam.
This time when he smiled, it was real with no pretences behind it.
“Khob khun, na.” He spoke the words softly.
“You’re welcome.” Beam replied. “P’Taz, could you show me where the shower is and where I’ll be sleeping tonight?”
“There is only one extra room.” I cleared my throat.
“I’ll be sleeping here.” Storm set his water down and placed the plate on his lap. “You can have the bed, Beam.”
“Are you sure, P?” Beam asked. “I mean, we can share.”
Storm nodded and dropped some food in his mouth.
“I don’t sleep much, anyway.” Storm explained. “I toss and turn more than sleep and I’d just keep you awake. If I change my mind, I’ll let you know.”
I led Beam up the stairs to the last room then showed him where the bathroom was. He thanked me by offering me wai and I left him alone.
Even as I made my way back down the stairs, I had so many questions about how Strom had been since I left Thailand.
It hadn’t even occurred to me he’d think I’d disappeared or had gone missing.
But the advice of not leaving Darby alone with Storm returned to my brain and I hurried back.
Storm had eaten a part of his food and put the other part aside. He was tapping away at his keyboard. Darby wasn’t in the room, and I checked the kitchen and the back porch.
When I did find him, he was seated on the bottom step in the back, puffing away at a cigarette.
“I thought you quit,” I said.
