Rouse [London Brown #3]

"You don't answer my calls." The accusation made it seem as though it was intentional.

The card on the flowers was addressed to Des.

"If you were phoning you haven't left a message and I screen all calls coming in. Meaning I never pick up the phone only call people back. I avoid everyone. Don't take it personally. Though I doubt Des would have answered the phone for you."

"You've been off The Agency's catalogue since Monday. The only opening later today is booked." He unbuttoned his jacket and placed a hand in his pocket. "Nor were you here when I came by."

"I didn't realize you cared." I flipped over my hand waving him off and removed the card with my other hand.

"Don't." He brushed away the hair from his ear and showed the stud in his tragus. Usually it was covered. What was the story behind the piercing? Oh, right, I didn’t care.

I pulled the card out of the small envelope. My one call. Meaning if he were found with a dead hooker in his trunk he'd call her. It was just that I'd be the dead whore. A message with double meaning. How clever, Mr. Stowell. I put the card on the table.

"What am I not to do?" Men loved getting up in arms about the silliest of things. "Question your sincerity? That's asking a lot."