The Wrong Picking Number

CHAPTER 23

MONROE

"Bill, I brought you some leftovers," I said with a tired smile as I met him at the corner where he usually waited for me on nights when I worked late.

"You're a goddess, little duck," he said, tucking my arm in his and patting my hand reassuringly. The small act after a difficult day made me want to cry. "You're working too hard, though. You're young. You should be out with friends, not pushing yourself to death," he chastised as we walked.

"Maybe someday," I murmured with a sigh. We'd had this conversation many times before. And he didn't quite seem to understand why I was so against being homeless...

"Somedays aren't promised," he said, right as we got to the entry to the apartment complex. I paused, hearing the ache in his voice. It was obvious there was a story there.

I didn't pry, though.

Over the last year, I'd learned that Bill only talked about some parts of his past, and whatever caused that ache in his voice...was not one of those parts he discussed.

I stared after him as he walked away, singing something softly to himself, before I trudged up the stairs to my apartment, my feet aching and my head pounding. Today had been one of the longest days I'd had in a while, even with the late start. All I wanted to do was kick off my shoes and crawl into bed. But as I got to my door, Jared emerged from his apartment next to mine, blocking my way. His greasy hair was slicked back, and his small, round, piercing eyes seemed to glint in the dim light of the hallway.

"Ms. Bardot," he said, his voice oily and insincere. "I'm afraid I have some bad news for you."

My heart sank. "What is it?" I asked, trying to keep the exhaustion from my voice.

"You're being evicted," he said, a sickening grin spreading across his face. My mind went blank for a moment. Evicted? But why? I'd paid my rent on time every month.

"Why?" I managed to ask, my voice trembling slightly.

He shrugged. "Business is business, Monroe. I'm sorry, but you'll have to be out by the morning." I stumbled back against the wall, my mind reeling. How was I supposed to find a new place to live by tomorrow? I hadn't found anything yet that I could afford.

"Please, I don't understand," I said, feeling confused and disoriented.

"I have someone else who wants your place, someone who can pay more. You're out, Monroe," he replied gruffly.

"But...maybe I could pay extra," I pleaded, even as I calculated in my head how I could afford to pay even a penny more.

"Sorry, girly. But we both know that's not going to happen." He gave me a sleazy grin.

I felt sick to my stomach, the world spinning around me. I didn't know where I would go. This would ruin everything.

"Please, there has to be something I can do," I said, my voice trembling.