GRIT by Elle Cross

Author:Elle Cross
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2018-04-18T14:00:00+00:00

My eleven o'clock had been an easy consultation involving a family dispute around a beloved heirloom. After I cut through the anger there, it was easy to decipher the artifact’s country of origin and the artist. I could have shared everything else about the piece, the emotion that went into it, why the artist chose to work it, what inspired her. But these people didn't seem to care, and stuff like that, those memories, I'd rather keep private than share with people who wouldn't cherish or value the thought.

Besides, they just wanted to sell the piece off and pocket the money. In our unspoken language, I asked Megan not to pass along a referral card to them, and made a note to be circumspect over future referrals from the one who had referred them.

Corbin had called some time during the eleven o'clock appointment. Megan said she had seemed like she was in the field, and would be swinging by the neighborhood for lunch. My stomach had fluttered at the thought that Corbin found some key lead or news about Jack, and I needed to take a few deep breaths to keep focused on my client.

It was deep enough into fall that we experienced three seasons in one day. Steel gray clouds hid the sun and turned the air crispy cool so that I didn't feel conspicuous in my jacket and demi gloves.

My private office was just catty corner to the end of this block, nestled in a row of stoic townhouses in varying shades of straw-colored brick, sandstone, and cream masonry. We often ate lunch there whenever Corbin swung by the neighborhood. It was best for all parties to remain willfully ignorant that there were gun runners operating out of my favorite bakery.

Megan swung a bag of pastries on her arm, insisting that Corbin ought to take them back to her team. Her colorful energy a barely-contained firework waiting to explode into the sky.

I punched in the key code at the door, my only concession to the security that I'd allow. I couldn't stand all the electronics and things that took over for security, didn't trust it over the feel of a deadbolt and key. Actual physical things.

I just couldn't see how an electronic whatsit was going to help keep me more secure than a deadbolt. If an intruder wanted in, they'd get in no matter the fancy hardware. Knowing my background, Corbin and Megan humored me. Never said anything about what I needed to do to help make me feel safe.

I preceded Megan into the apartment, closed the door behind her and rearmed the alarm.

Corbin arrived soon after. She barely had the Chinese food takeout on the table, when Megan started grabbing boxes and platters and sorting through them. She quickly claimed a spring roll, and ate it while finding silverware.

I smacked her on the shoulder. "Dude, chew!"

"If I could figure out a way to eat via osmosis, this wouldn't be a problem," Megan said around a mouth full of cabbage.

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