Tom carried Maya into her apartment, his jaw tight with irritation. She clung to him, her arms around his neck, her legs wrapped around his waist. Her breath reeked of alcohol, and he winced.
"Maya, let go," he said sharply.
She tightened her grip and mumbled something against his chest. "Stay with me," she slurred. "Don't go."
Tom shifted, trying to pry her off. "You're very drunk. Stop it."
She giggled and pressed closer. "You're so serious," she whispered.
He finally managed to set her on the couch. She tried to grab at his shirt. "No," he said, pulling her hands away.
She pouted, leaning back. "You're no fun," she muttered.
Ignoring her, Tom pulled out his phone and dialed Tasha. "Your sister's drunk," he said as soon as she answered. "You need to send someone to deal with her."
There was a pause. Tasha had definitely not expected a call from him of all people.
"I'll come over myself," Tasha said.
"That's not necessary," Tom replied, glancing at Maya sprawled on the couch. "Just send someone else."
"I'm close by. I'll be there soon," Tasha said and hung up.
Tom sighed and shoved his phone back in his pocket.
Tasha arrived quickly, stepping inside with a polite smile. "Hi, Tom. I'm sorry about Maya. She's not usually like this. It's just the alcohol. She's a good and disciplined cop."
Tom nodded. "It's fine."
Tasha hesitated, looking unsure for a moment before straightening. "I've been looking for you. Why did you move without telling me?"
Tom met her gaze. "You compromised my last place when you visited. I had to move."
Her eyes widened slightly. "Compromised? Oh..." She looked down, then back up at him. "I did visit once after you moved. The place was ransacked. The door was broken."
Tom nodded. " I took care of it."
Tasha studied him, her expression softening. "I didn't mean to cause trouble."
"It is all in the past," Tom said.
She nodded.
Tasha continued. "How did you meet Maya?"
Tom leaned against the wall. "At a club. Our paths crossed there."
Tasha walked over to Maya, kneeling to check how drunk she was. Maya's glassy eyes met hers, and she burst into tears.
"I'm so sorry, Tasha," Maya sobbed. "I never stood up for you. When Mom—no, not Mom—she treated you like that. I did nothing. Nothing!"
Tasha flushed, glancing nervously at Tom. "Maya, stop. You're drunk."
Maya shook her head, tears streaming down her face. "No excuse. None. You should hate me forever."
Tasha tried to quiet her, embarrassed. "That's enough."
Tom, arms crossed, spoke up. "I should go."
"Wait!" Tasha said quickly. "You're always in a rush to leave. Just... wait, okay? Let me settle her first."
Tom hesitated, then nodded. "Okay."
Tasha helped Maya to her feet, guiding her to the bedroom. Maya leaned heavily on her, mumbling incoherently. Once inside, Tasha sat her sister on the bed and began unbuttoning her shirt.
Maya giggled, her eyes half-closed. "Tom," she whispered. "You're here... You saved me at the club. You're my hero."
"Maya, it's me," Tasha said firmly.
Maya ignored her, reaching out clumsily to grab Tasha's face. "You can have your way with me," she slurred, pulling her close. "I owe you."
Tasha pulled back, annoyed and flustered. "Stop it. It's me, Tasha!"
Maya blinked, confused, then let out a drunken laugh. "Oh... Tasha. Right. Where's Tom? He's so..." She trailed off, collapsing onto the bed in a heap.
Tasha sighed heavily, covering her with a blanket. A flicker of jealousy crossed her mind to see her sister think of Tom that way, but she quickly shoved it aside.
With a deep breath, she went back to the living room where Tom was waiting, looking at his watch.