Change of Heart - By S.E. Edwards Page 0,19

We’re back in his car, after he’d packed a small duffel bag of his stuff. Nothing else from his apartment was missing. His wallet was still there, along with all his money and documents. I’d found my shoes and sweater in the mess, and am now holding the wooly fabric close to my skin. “Huh? Tell me what. What the fuck do we do now?”

“I’m thinking, Penny!” he exclaims. His booming voice ricochets around the cabin like a thunderclap.

“Thinking isn’t going to get my wallet back,” I snap. “Thinking isn’t going to change the fact that the men who are after you know about me, too. We need to do something!”

“What do you think I’m thinking about?” Rich demands.

We stare at each other. I notice his nostrils flare as he breathes in and out. My breaths are coming hard, too. So they should be! The tension between us is so thick it fills the car, seething in the corners like billowing smoke. Rich’s eyes burn as he looks at me. I’m not about to back down.

He breaks eye contact first. “Look,” he exhales, staring straight ahead, “there’s no point in us being angry with each other.” His tone softens. I can tell he’s trying to be conciliatory. But his words come out stiff. “I’ve been quiet because I’m considering our options. We can’t rush into things without having a clear mind. That would be the worst thing to do.”

“I agree,” I admit reluctantly. I swallow my pride. “I shouldn’t have gotten mad, I know. But hell, Rich, this is a lot to take in.”

He looks at me and offers a smile. “I know. We’ll get through this. I’ll get you out of it. I promise.”

I give him a weak smile back. “I think I believe you.”

He nods and starts the engine. “Good. We should stick together until we have a better idea of what we’re going to do next. But for now, you—” he glances over, “—need a change of clothes. Where do you live?”

“Oh.” I blink. “Uh, actually, I don’t think that’s going to work.”

Rich gives me an odd look. “What do you mean?”

I hesitate, not wanting him to pity me, nor wanting to look like the “poor girl” in his eyes. But, he’d given me the truth about his situation—and I don’t think telling lies at this point is a good idea. “I got evicted last night,” I mumble, “thanks to my roommate.” I give a bitter laugh. “They changed the locks so the keys to my door don’t even work.”

I hold my breath, waiting for Rich to laugh or say something scathing. He surprises me by reaching over and taking my hand. “That’s what you were upset about last night?”

I give a sullen nod.

“And now you have to deal with all my shit. Jesus, Penny, I’m sorry.”

“It’s not your fault.”

He tightens his grip on my hand. Against all odds, I find comfort in that hold. “Okay, here’s what I think we should do next…”

“The cops!” I exclaim suddenly. “Why don’t we go to them?”

Rich shakes his head and releases my hand to start driving. I feel a sting at the loss of his warmth. “No, the cops aren’t going to do anything. The guys who came after me aren’t your ordinary, run-of-the-mill money lenders. They’re well connected. They have moles in high places. The moment either of us walk into a police station, we’ll be on their radar. Speaking of which—do you have you cell phone?”

“Yeah, it’s right here.” I reach into my purse. “Why?”

“Take the battery out.”

I narrow my eyes at him, not following. “What?”

“Take the battery out and give it to me.” He holds out his hand. I sigh, and do as I’m asked.

In one smooth motion he opens his window and throws the battery onto the street.

“Hey!” I gasp. I spin around in my seat. The battery is already lost in the traffic behind us. “What the hell was that, Rich?”

“A cell phone is one of the easiest things to track,” he explains patiently. “Even if it’s off, as long as there’s a battery inside, it will still send out a weak signal.” He surprises me by reaching into his pocket and tossing his own phone onto my lap. “See? Mine’s the same. No battery.”

“You could have just told me,” I grumble. “I wouldn’t have put the battery back in if you said so.”

“I didn’t want you to be tempted. I know how girls are.” I frown pointedly at him, and he laughs. “I’m