Sam's POV
I stole a glance at the enigmatic man sitting across from me. It had been nearly two hours since I brought him home, and he hadn't uttered a single word. The silence was becoming unnerving.
Unlike my friend Lora, who could pester anyone into talking, I didn't have the same persistence. Lora had a knack for getting under people's skin, but I preferred a more subtle approach.
I had already offered him food, only to be met with a polite refusal. I suggested tending to his wound with some first aid, but he turned that down too. Even offering to take him to the hospital was met with adamant resistance. I couldn't shake the worry that gripped me as I noticed his increasingly pale complexion. I didn't want anyone dying in my house.
"Where is Lora when you need her? She'd know how to handle this situation," I muttered under my breath, hoping for a miracle.
As if the universe heard my plea, the sound of a car pulled into my driveway, swiftly parking in the garage. Who could be driving Lora home?
Suddenly, the man sitting across from me shot up from his seat, signaling for me to keep his presence a secret. I nodded, watching him clumsily ascend the stairs. I furrowed my brow, perplexed by his sudden change in demeanor. He seemed more approachable, almost vulnerable, as if the fear of being discovered had transformed him.
The doorbell rang, and my heart sank as I saw Calhoun, the observant detective who drove Lora home, standing on the other side. He had a knack for sniffing out lies, and I was about to put my acting skills to the test. I silently prayed that he wouldn't suspect a thing as I gathered the courage to open the door.
"Lora, you're finally back! Thank goodness you're safe. Come inside, my dear. Are you okay? I hope they didn't give you too much trouble," I exclaimed, fussing over my friend and intentionally avoiding eye contact with Calhoun. The last thing I needed was to blurt out that I was harboring a fugitive in my bedroom.
They both entered, and I immediately darted to the kitchen, feigning the need to prepare hot tea. I wiped away the sweat from my brow, taking a deep breath to steady myself, all while silently pleading for Calhoun to leave rather than linger. Much to my relief, he stood up as soon as he spotted me entering the room.
"I'll take my leave now that your friend is safely home," Calhoun announced, turning to Lora and giving her a polite nod. "Alora, take care and get some rest. Also, don't go anywhere without security. I'm reassured your grandmother would handle that."
Ah, yes, Calhoun was one of the few cops who knew about Lora's wealthy and influential grandmother. It added an extra layer of intrigue to their dynamic.
Silently, I followed Calhoun to the door, while Lora turned up the volume on the TV and discreetly sipped her tea. As I closed the door behind me, I couldn't help but shoot a death glare at the man standing before me.
"Why are you looking at me like that?" he asked innocently, though he must have known the myriad of questions brewing inside me.
"You know exactly why. There are so many 'whys' I don't have time to discuss now, but we'll address them the next time we meet. But for now, answer this: why did you call Lora by her first name?" I demanded, trying to maintain a stern expression.
"She told me to stop being formal and address her as Alora," he replied swiftly, as if he had anticipated my question.
Suddenly, I remembered the man hidden inside, and panic coursed through me. It was no time to keep him here any longer. I needed to send him away as soon as possible.
"Okay, you can leave now," I said, urging him to depart.
"Are you trying to send me away?" he narrowed his eyes suspiciously. "Are you perhaps hiding someone in there?"
I felt a jolt of fear, but I played it cool, feigning annoyance. "What? Are you accusing me of cheating?"
He's my boyfriend and I'm loyal to the bone and he knows this.
Calhoun burst into laughter. "I was just kidding, babe. You know I trust you. I'll come back when your friend leaves."
"She's staying here overnight," I quickly added, hoping to divert his attention.
Calhoun looked disappointed, and I seized the opportunity. "We can meet tomorrow and make up for tonight."
He nodded, and I smiled, gently kissing his cheek. Phew, he's so easy to pacify. I guided him toward his car when suddenly, we both heard Lora's piercing scream.
Sheesh! Typical Lora, always managing to mess everything up.
We rushed back inside to find her trembling with fear.
"Are you alright, Lora? Did you see something that scared you?" I carefully avoided mentioning someone, as Calhoun might decide to search the house, and all my efforts to hide our guest would be in vain. I definitely didn't want to end up in jail. Calhoun Black loves me but I bet he loves Justice more. I'm not willing to test that now.
"I'm... I'm fine. I'm sorry to make you guys worry. I just saw myself falling on TV, and it felt like I was experiencing it all over again," Lora lied, her voice tinged with feigned distress. I sighed and stared at Lora, grateful that she was at least quick enough to pretend, so the cop wouldn't grow suspicious.
Calhoun nodded understandingly. "It would be best if you don't watch this for now." He reached for the TV remote and switched it off.
He bought it! He actually bought it without a hint of suspicion.
For what felt like an eternity, Calhoun stared at me, as if trying to piece something together. Why was he scrutinizing me? I had already crafted my lie ages ago. Was it because my pale complexion gave away my fear of being caught? Or perhaps he could hear the thunderous pounding of my heart. I almost reached out to clutch my chest, fearing my heart might just leap out.
Finally, he made the decision to leave.
As we watched his car disappear from the driveway, Lora and I breathed a collective sigh of relief.