Chapter Sixteen

David "Here." I handed Nicole one of the cigarettes that Anya had bought down at the corner gas station for me. Then I held out a lighter for her. Next, I lit my own. "Thanks." "No problem." "Where were you?" I couldn't afford to hesitate. "I had to get some air. Sorry, I shoulda asked you along." She allowed me a smile. "That's all right." "But it isn't. I shouldn't have left you alone again." In response, all I received was a sigh. She was tired. and with good reason. The time was nearly six in the morning, after the long hours had passed. "Tell ya what. How 'bout you get some sleep in there," I pointed in at the bedroom. "And I'll lock the door and wake you in a few hours." "Aren't you going to bed?" "No. I'm not tired." which was a lie; I was tired. but I wasn't going to just leave Anya in the other room waiting. "Okay." I helped her into bed, covered her up, and left for the living room. Anya approached me and reached out to touch my arm. "What're you gonna do now?" I turned to face the bar. "After tonight? Get drunk." I went toward my bar, and then poured bourbon. "D'ya care to join me?" "Do you have wine?" I looked at her directly. Wine? She wanted wine after finding out that her former friend was a hired assassin that was after both her and Nicole.possibly me as well? Okay then. To each his (or her) own, as they say. "Yeah. I've got this stuff called White Zymphondel. Do you like white wine?" "Yeah, I love it." "It's above the fridge. Help yourself." I watched as Anya passed me and went to get the wine. She opened a cabinet to get a glass. "Do you want me to pour you some, or aren't you going to have some with me?" "Would you like me to join you?" Her shoulders shrugged. "It would be nice."

".As you wish. I'll have a glass." My friend removed two wine glasses from the cabinet and carefully poured the almost-clear liquid into them. While walking back, she slowly mixed them, which brought out the flavor more. With a steady hand, Anya delivered one glass to me. I drank it in a single, large gulp. Shaking her head, Anya handed me her glass, taking my empty one. Somewhat confused, I gulped that down too, as it seemed that was what she wanted me to do. The next thing I knew, Anya took my hand in hers and led me to the couch. I sat. She took the second glass from my grasp, and then told me to lie down. "You need to sleep. I'll wake you in three hours." "And what if Nicole gets up and comes in here looking for me?" "Then she'll find you." "Where will you be?" "I'm going home." I reached her arm as she was leaving and closed my hand on it. "I don't want you to go." "And what if Nicole gets up and comes in here looking for you?" "She may get up, but that door locks from this side. She won't be coming in." Anya began to smile. Then it seemed she changed her mind about the action. "Why do you want me here?" There was silence. Then she added "Just wondering.it doesn't really matter." "I want company. And I enjoy yours."