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The action puts me on alert for another interrogation and I distract him—with my own questions.
“Chase.”
“Pepper.”
I linger near the sofa but don’t sit. “I know I heard you right earlier. I lost the bet. Why did you switch it?”
He takes a deep breath and then releases as he settles back into a resting position on the couch. He meets my gaze and smirks. “Call it winner’s choice.”
“Fair enough,” I whisper.
“Was there something else?”
“Why are you sleeping out here?” I ask flatly.
He shifts, groaning like it’s painful. It makes me wonder if he hurt himself tonight. “It’s…better.”
“Chase. I’m not letting you sleep here. I thought we agreed we’re both adults. You shouldn’t give up your bed for me. You’ve already done too much.”
He’s silent for a moment before pulling himself up, running a hand down his face and circling the couch as if he doesn’t know what to do with himself. “You’re right, Pepper. I’ve done too much for you. Meanwhile you can’t even tell me what’s going on with you.”
“I’ll be more careful.”
“You can’t afford suspicions,” he snaps.
“It was your idea to put me in the public eye.”
“I didn’t think you’d make yourself a target,” he shouts.
“I didn’t do it on purpose.”
“Then tell me what happened,” he demands. And it’s sharp. He’s not giving me a choice.
My eyes sting and I turn away, crossing my arms in front of me. I feel him move behind me. But not too close. He’s not here to comfort me. His only goal is to protect me, and I’ve been nothing but trouble.
Collecting my bearings, I twist to face him. “We have another game in a few days, right?”
“I do. I think you should sit this one out.”
“That’s Lonnie’s call to make. Otherwise, I’m ready. And I won’t embarrass you—or make myself a target.” To hell with my morals. I will take the bed.
He calls my name uncommittedly before I shut the bedroom door and settle into his bed.
I draw my knees to my chest. I won’t have an episode like that again.
Because I’m taking myself back there. Back to that morning after they didn’t come home.
Are you Pepper?
Yes.
I’ve been avoiding it too long. It’s why I can’t control them now. These feelings.
No. No. That’s not possible.
These fears.
We need you to come with us to identify the bodies.
