Chapter 18 #2
I didn’t want her to have false hope because she’d clearly had enough disappointments where her sister was concerned.
“We can try, but she’s an adult, Charity.
You can’t force her.” When she whimpered, I knew I’d do whatever I could to make it easier for her if we had to leave Faith here.
“But I’ll make sure she’s safe if that happens.
” I put my hands on her shoulders and stared into her eyes.
“I promise. Now, let’s see if we can get inside. ”
As I led her toward the apartment block, I doubted we’d have much of a problem with security; the place was crumbling before our eyes. The old metal banister for the short flight of steps was rusting at the joints, and when Charity went to grab it, I took her hand.
“I wouldn’t. You’re likely to take a tumble.”
Nodding, she pulled her hand from mine and shoved it into the front pocket of her jeans. Deciding that fortune favored the fucking stupid, I placed my palm at the small of her back. Not quite touching but close enough that she would feel the warmth of it. Would know it was there. That I was there.
When we reached the front door, I’d been right about security, it was propped open with an old trashcan full of dirty water with green scum floating on top.
As we stepped inside, the smell of fried food, trash, and sweat wafted around us.
A toddler’s plastic tricycle sat overturned by the elevator, which had an out-of-order sign stuck to it with yellow and black tape.
A row of dented mailboxes lined one wall, all but one bulging with envelopes.
“Looks like we’re walking up.” I raised an eyebrow, but Charity simply nodded and took a deep breath.
The stairs had worn tiles, cracked and sticky.
Some looked like they’d been mopped, but the water had only rearranged the dirt.
As we climbed, each floor was hotter than the last, as the heat rose and settled into the walls.
When we got to the fourth floor, we could hear a TV blaring a game show with the person watching, yelling out answers.
“4B.” I pointed to a scuffed blue door, the number and letter crooked, like they had been put up without any care of whether they lined up or not.
“I don’t even know who lives here,” Charity murmured, looking up at me, her chin wobbling.
“Well, we may just be about to find out.” I took her hand in mine, linking our fingers together, rubbing my thumb along her soft, warm skin. “Ready?” When she gave a tentative nod, I lifted my fist and banged hard on the cracked and splintered paintwork.
Charity stiffened beside me, like she was holding her breath. Probably had been since the moment she’d walked into Sundance County PD a few days before.
I hit the door again. “Hello, anyone home?” Another three bangs. “Hello. Can you come to the door please?”
A different door, further along the hall, was flung open and a large man wearing a dirty wife beater and worn jeans appeared. “What the hell is all the noise about? I’m trying to watch TV.”
Charity’s hand gripped mine as we both turned to him. “I—I’m sorry but we’re trying to find my sister. We believe she might be living here.”
He looked her up and down, licking his lips. “I’d know if someone as pretty as you was living here, darlin’. Why don’t you come inside, and I’ll see if I can recall if she’s been hanging around?”
“We’re good, thanks,” I warned him. Almost a growl. Almost baring my teeth. “Have you seen someone new hanging around here or not?”
“Not.” He scratched his chest, his eyes roaming over Charity.
“Do you know who lives here?” My hand fisted at my side, while the other one went dead from how hard she was gripping it.
“Lola did until a couple of weeks ago.” He shrugged. “It’s been empty since then.”
Charity sagged a little. “At least we have a name.”
“Do you know where she moved to?” I asked. “What’s her last name?”
“Nope,” he paused, thinking, his eyes were still snaking over Charity, even though it was me asking the questions, “Daniels,” he added eventually.
“Where does she work?” Charity asked excitedly. “Do you know?”
“You don’t wanna go down there.” He leaned against the doorframe, crossing his arms over his soft chest. “Wait here while your friend goes down there if you like.”
It took everything in me not to step over there and punch his fat nose. “We’re good thanks.” I inhaled slowly, trying to steady my pulse. “Do you know where she works or not?” I asked on after counting to ten.
“Foxy Monroe’s. At least she did.” He chuckled, his laugh throaty, full of smoke and bad living. “But if you’re going in there, keep a hand on your girlfriend. The clientele is less than gentlemanly, if you know what I mean.”
Charity gasped and I felt the fear shudder through her. We both knew that was probably where Faith was hoping to get a job.
“Thanks for your help.” I turned Charity in front of me, not wanting the douche to see her ass. “Let’s go.”
“Anytime,” he called, chuckling. “Come visit again soon.”
When his front door slammed, Charity jumped under my touch, and I felt more determined than ever to protect her as much as I could. The scary part was, I didn’t feel like I had any other choice.