Chapter 4

It was a mistake to pick up the phone. Shouldn't have asked Anthony the question. Stupid. Stupid. It was impossible to come up with a lie at that point. Besides, Amy would've eventually found out. Finding out later wouldn't have change anything. She would still be like this. At least, she's not crying.

"What do you mean they can't find anything? Do they know what they're doing?"

Sorry Anthony. Hopefully, he's not at that point of hanging up.

"I know I can't go there, but you have connections, don't you? Can't you do something?"

Don't let her Anthony. Just say you don't even if you do. The risk of getting infected is higher there.

"If I could, would I be asking you!"

Ohh…that's not nice.

"It's not an accident! She was murdered!"

Ohh sheet. Anthony's going to be so pissed. I would be too if someone hangs up on me. Why did she do that? "You okay?" Lucy asked after knocking once on the door. The door was opened. Even if it wasn't, anyone would have heard. It was that loud. Nadia would have heard if she's here. Nadia would wonder why she still thinks it wasn't an accident. Even if it's negligence, it's an accident. That's why most people don't like to live in an apartment complex, especially on a high floor; the view may be nicer but when there's a fire, it's difficult to … Oh no, don't do that. Don't… "ssshh..." Hopefully, a comforting hug can calm her down.

"Can you call him back? Tell him, tell him I'm sorry, tell him to keep looking."

"I'll call him back, okay?" This time, Lucy knows not to say anything else other than "ssshhh" Saying anything else would only get herself yelled at like the last time. It is hard to believe that Max couldn't save herself but the fact is it happened in the middle of the night. Her body must have succumbed to the toxic fumes while sleeping like the others. Negligence caused it. The degrading building material contributed to the spread of the fire. That's a logical explanation. That's all she said the last time which didn't end well when Amy fired back with a comment.

Max isn't your friend. If you know her like I do, you wouldn't think this way.

That did hurt but Amy has a point. She is more closer to Max but if it was foul play, wouldn't Mr. P have called? Wouldn't there be evidence of foul play? That comment led to weeks of sleeping alone in another room and many hours of not seeing each other which worked out well in today's environment. The time apart allowed Amy to calm down but apparently it didn't change the way she thinks. The call with Anthony a moment ago is evident of that. The apology to Anthony, was that for me too? It seems that way until she noticed the bedroom door is closed when it's time to sleep. That's fine. Even Scud didn't think it would be safe to be in the same room together.

"She still thinks it's not an accident."

"mhm"

"She yelled at Anthony." Lucy continued to describe what happened two hours ago while lying on the bed with the phone next to her, keeping her voice low. "Two of his bodyguards got infected, did he tell you?"

"mhm"

"His hotel is losing money, his stores in midtown too, what did he expect right?"

"mhm"

"What you doin?" Lucy can't see him but heard his one word responses to know that he might not be listening.

"playing a video game and wondering when you're going to tell me what you've been doing." Scud said in one quick breath while continued playing.

"you followed me?"

"Would I ask if I did?" Scud said while wondering why she even asked. It would be hard to since there aren't many cars out there these days. Besides, there's no need to since her phone and car have trackers.

"I just need to get out, you know me, I can't stay here all day, everyday, I feel suffocated"

"ssso…you don't feel suffocated when you're with Grace?"

"It's not what you think."

"I know, what does your wife think?" That's deliberate. He's certain Lucy would understand.

"Do you tell your wife everything? Before you answer that, did you tell your wife about that new waitress, what's her name, you know, the one who's always flirting with you, I'm sure Janet would like to know, I'm sure Janet wouldn't want her to come back to work when this is over." Flirting is flirting even if it's harmless, even if he has no interest. Nothing to say? I didn't think so.

"Daddddy, baby doesn't want to go to sleep. Who are you talking to?"

Janet's voice can be heard, Zander's too.

"Say good night to Auntie."

"unti, undyyyy…"

"no no, Zander…remember what I said, you can't touch auntie because auntie went out, now say good night."

Really? Scud. Is that necessary? It's just the phone.

"ni ni"

"Night, night, Zander." He's so cute. "hmmm" Never has she thought about having her own biological child but now, Zander is the reason. "my biological child" (sighhh) "sucks…to be a… "

(knock) (knock)

Shoot. The door is locked. That was necessary but now isn't. Lucy quickly opened the door, saddened to see the face behind it. That's the same look Amy had in the first week after finding out about Max.

"Who were you talking to?"

Oh…shit. Did she hear? "Scud" Hope she didn't hear the part about…

"Are you…"

hmm?…Am I what?...oh…ohhh… "Scud thinks I should…you know, I went out today." Why did I say that? Please don't ask me where I went, please don't…

"okay"

The response is barely audible, but the last two words are clear. "good night" Lucy responded back in the same soft tone before closing the door. It hurts to see her like this. It's going to take time to heal. She has no doubt that Amy will be able to. Amy is strong, stronger than Nadia, stronger than Alexis and Holly and Grace who still has a lot to learn. Being an agent with that pretty face isn't going to be easy. Certainly online courses aren't going to help. Hope she's prepared for what's ahead. "sucks to be a woman" (sighhh) Lucy closed her eyes to allow her mind to rest to be ready for another exciting day tomorrow, well, it's not that exciting but it's not as boring as doing… huh? The door isn't locked. There's no reason to. This house is more secured than the last one. No one's here but "umm, I don't think…" Okay. Amy already slipped under the blanket without a word. Being held like this, in this sweetheart cradle position, reminded her of the time from years ago but this time there's no rain, no hurricane, no blizzard. This time an apology is necessary for not understanding how she feels. If it had happened to Anthony, Uncle Nick, Scud or…. oh no, no no, don't cry, don't… "sshh, sshhh…breathe, babe, breathe…"

"I can't"

"You can't breathe?"

"I can't sleep"

Ohh...Well, that's normal. If she accepts Max's demise as an accident, she would be able to. It's not a good idea to bring that up again. It didn't work the first time, it's not going to work now. Besides, insomnia is not her only problem. Where's the tissue? Oh damn. That's what happens when the lights are off. Can't see where the tissue box is. The phone just dropped on the floor. That's not important now. What's important is to give Amy the tissues and get her to calm down. "sshh…sshh…calm down…breeathe…breeathe"

"Stop saying that."

"ow…ow" It doesn't hurt but she just wasn't expecting the slaps on her shoulders.

"Stop it"

What did I do? Whatever it was made it worse. Amy is crying even louder. "sssh...shhhh"

"stop it"

Lucy immediately puts her lips firmly together but that didn't stop Amy from crying. Holding her firmly, gently stroking her back might help. Letting Amy cry on her shoulder is all she can do. That's what she thought until she heard a short moment of silence followed by another familiar sound. It was unintentional. She had to put her lips somewhere but the kiss on Amy's shoulder might not have caused it. The neck is a sensitive area. Why stop there if this will make her feel better?

"uhh..nnnn"

One touch on the right spot is all that is needed to amplify the same sound from a moment ago. That's not a sign to stop. That's an uncontrollable response. Lucy continued the kisses on Amy's neck while leaning forward until she got Amy to lie down.

"mmnn"

Sounds like the tummy area is a sensitive area too. A kiss on that same spot that she had her hand on earlier elicited a different sound, even louder. Lucy takes in the other in her mouth, nipping gently, licking, kissing it the same way she did with the left. Sniffling can still be heard but it's working. If the lights aren't already off, she would've turned the lights off not only to make Amy feel more comfortable but the sense of touch can be enhanced with the absence of vision. Making love wasn't on her mind tonight. It still isn't. The only thing on her mind is to stop Amy from thinking of unhappy thoughts, stop those tears in case they're forming again. The only way to do that is send Amy to a place that feels like heaven. There's no need to rush but kissing those long legs inch by inch would take awhile. Besides the sound of rapid breathing means it's time to... "ow…ow ow…" This time, she's not pretending. It hurts. Her hair is being pulled up.

"I told you don't do that. You can get throat cancer."

"okay okay, babe, let go." ..okay…That feels better. This is unexpected, a bit awkward too. Amy is no longer crying though but that's not a reason not to continue. One kiss on her cheek will take care of the awkwardness, two kisses will get the mood to where it was before, then another will… "uhh" Amy might not have said no but being pushed back, then held in the sweetheart cradle position again means no. Okay, that's fine. Let's just sleep. This feels good until a half an hour later. But it's good to see that Amy is able to sleep thru her usual wake up time. As for herself, falling asleep didn't happen until much later after Amy moved off her chest so waking up later than usual couldn't be avoided.

"Babe?" She's not in the kitchen. "She went out?" That's odd. It's odd because Amy hadn't gone outside besides the backyard ever since she found out about Annie's ex who's now in the hospital with a serious condition because he didn't take the warnings seriously and caught the virus from hanging out in pubs.

"you okay?" Nadia asked since Amy has been standing there, looking at the tomatoes for more than a minute. Getting a call this morning, she had thought that Amy wanted to talk but it seems that she changed her mind. A supermarket isn't the right place to talk.

"mhm"

That doesn't sound convincing but there's no need to ask again. She's probably still thinking about Max. "tomatoes are good for loss of appetite" Nadia takes some for herself.

"I'm fine. How are you?"

Pivoting, she's good at that. "I cook, I clean, I wait for Holly to come back from work. I get to see her. I can touch her. I…am better." Hopefully, this would get her to talk about herself instead of pivoting again. That's what she did in the past month during their phone conversations which became less and less. That's understandable. Losing a close friend to an accident is difficult to accept. It can make people think of crazy things. Hopefully, she can take a step back and see what's happening, see what she's doing to the people around her.

"Do you two sleep together?"

That's unexpected, coming from her. That's personal. That's odd. "Do you two sleep together?"

"I asked you first."

There's the smile that she hasn't seen for months. Talking like this brings back old times. "She bought a twin size mattress. She made me sleep in the fitness room." It's not a big room but enough to fit a twin mattress after the yoga ball and other house necessities are moved to the corner. "You're still sleeping in different rooms?" There's only one reason why she asked. "Why?"

"What do you mean why?" She should know Lucy hasn't been following the quarantine rules. Just because the risk in getting infected isn't as high as living with two medical professionals, there's still a risk but that wasn't the only reason for sleeping in separate rooms. Last night was necessary. The outcome was unexpected. All she had wanted to do was sleep next to her. She almost gave in if Lucy hadn't…

"you mean you two haven't…you two didn't…since when?"

"Nadiaaa" Nadia is never this nosy. Getting an explanation of how many couples separated during this quarantine period is unexpected. Since when is she interested in celebrity gossip? Now it's obvious what she meant by sleeping in different rooms; It doesn't mean every night.

"Where is she?" Nadia asked. That look is a calm one. The shrug could only mean she doesn't know. "She didn't tell you." No is unacceptable. "Did you ask?"

(sigh) Of course I asked but asking everyday gets tiring. Checking up on her gets tiring. Meeting with Grace everyday doesn't make sense either. That's where Lucy went according to the phone tracker but that's not the only place she went. Asking what they're doing would most likely get into another argument.

"She can go wherever she pleases. If I ask, then she'll think I don't trust her." Nadia isn't married yet so this would be a good advice for her. What are they doing?

"Harder"

"uhh"

"harder"

"uh...uhh…OW!...That hurts!"

"umm…yeaah, it's going to hurt more without the bandage" Lucy said after picking up the zip tie that Grace successfully broke out of after seven tries. "It doesn't look as easy, does it?" Most people are shocked to see how she was able to break free with her wrists tied behind her back with one try but not Grace who made an arrogant remark after the demonstration earlier.

"I thought you said we're going to do something fun today."

"yes we are" Lucy grabbed the backpack next to the couch and dropped it on the floor next to the coffee table.

"um…I never told you this before but…I was only pretending to be shocked that time, I know how to open handcuffs with a paper clip."

"Oh" That's good to know but "all of them?"

What? Grace unzipped the backpack all the way. There are handcuffs, lots of them but there are locks too, different types of door locks including padlock and combination lock. "This isn't fun."

"You should see what I saw a moment ago, nice view…and funny" Lucy chuckled. The way Grace was pushing her butt in and out while trying to break the zip tie on her wrist behind her back a moment ago made her look like a chicken trying to push out an egg. "So, let's see what you can do."

"I'm not breaking into anybody's apartment." It's a nice skill to learn but how is this going to help? Her comment is ignored, her wrists then handcuffed. "This isn't funny." Using a paper clip isn't easy, never mind without one.

"Just try" That will have to wait since Grace's phone is ringing.

"sshh…It's Ethan"

Okay. No need to shush but that is funny since it reminded her of last night. That moment was awkward. Throat cancer? She did research?

"That's really nice but"

Lucy has no interest in their conversation so she stepped away towards the window to take a peek thru the closed shades. It's hard to block it out though since Grace doesn't seem to mind. Well, that was fast. Grace just hung up. That could only mean she's not in love with Ethan. Anyone who's in love would have a lot to talk about. Maybe he's..."Turn the lights off." No need to repeat. Grace should know why.

"Oh...my...god."

Oh my God indeed. The couple in the high rise apartment is doing it again in the living room with the panoramic windows. Lights may be dimmed but they still can be seen, not clearly but Grace should be able to with the binoculars.

"Maybe they think the windows are one way."

"ya think?" Most likely, she doesn't think so either since she's chuckling. "So what does he want?"

"He wants to make me dinner."

"oh" Home cook meal is safer than takeout. Using that as an excuse to see her is a good idea but "why lie?" If she's not interested in him, all she has to say is just that. That would stop him from calling. If she is interested, accepting his offer will let him know that she is. Ethan will know to keep his distance. Ethan would love to…

There's the phone again. Who is it this time?

"sshhh"

Alexis? Is this how it is everyday?

"I can't tonight, I'm not feeling well."

Another lie.

"No, I'm fine, really, it's nothing…what?...no, I don't need a doctor. No, I don't have a fever."

Wow. Alexis is being very persistent, more than Ethan. Persistence is good but it can be annoying. Grace seems to be at that point. The way she rolled her eyes shows but there's a smile afterwards.

"Let's talk tomorrow, okay?"

Finally. "You know, if you don't like her, why not just tell her?"

"Who said I don't like her?"

"Ohh…ssso…" Since Grace didn't continue, there's no reason not to ask which one she likes more, Alexis or Ethan.

"I like them both." Grace chuckled after getting a look of confusion mixed with dissatisfaction. "Now if you get these handcuffs off, I like you even …"

The doorbell just rang. Grace looks confused too.

"Do you think…"

"Let's go find out." Lucy headed for the door before Grace could finish her thought. "It's Alexis."

"What!" Grace said in a whisper.

Man, she's persistent. The doorbell is ringing again. Lucy was about to open the door until she was told to hide in the bedroom. "Why?"

"You…how am I supposed to...look at yourself?"

"Relax, I got this."

"No…go…gohhh" Grace said then realized she shouldn't have. "Take these off."

"Maybe she'll leave if you don't answer." It seems like a good idea until the doorbell rang again and again and again. Maybe the lie about not feeling well got Alexis worried. There's the doorbell again. With one twist, the handcuffs unlocked. It's easier with the key. "I'm telling you, she's going to figure it out." Lucy did as told since Grace won't listen. A good place to hide would be…the bedroom closet, not that she's thinking of hiding in there, just curious. "This is cute." It's not real but waking up to a smiling sunflower is better than nothing. Huh. This is interesting. When did she…Maybe they weren't there before. Maybe the shades weren't down. Now they are. With the lights off, stars on the ceiling, small glowing stars aligned in different patterns can be seen. There's an arrow…and a weird shape that looks like… What…the hell? Alexis's voice can be heard, Grace's too, who obviously failed to convince Alexis to leave. Man, she's nosy. Opening Grace's bedroom without permission?

"Who..."

"I told you so." Lucy said, walking pass Alexis, then took a seat on the couch in the living room.

"She thought I was being threatened." Grace pointed to the marks on her wrists caused by the zip ties earlier. "She was going to set off the fire alarm and call the police."

"Oh" That's smart of her. Lucy smiles at the confused face that no longer looks shocked.

"Why are you here?"

That doesn't sound very nice. "Why are you here?"

"celebrate her birthday"

"me too" Lucy responded but it didn't sound as convincing as she thought since Alexis is staring. Grace is too.

"Today is not her birthday."

"There's no reason not to celebrate early." Lucy smiled to both of them while knowing what the next question would be. Surprisingly, Alexis didn't ask but did ask another question which means she probably knows it's a lie. "looks good, right?" Lucy didn't bother to stand up. Since Alexis fell for the disguise, then the answer is obvious. A disguise is necessary. "You know how much it sucks to be a female. With this, I didn't get hit on. Men don't look at me. I stopped getting harassed. You should try it." Lucy saw no need to explain further. Alexis should know what it's like. Grace should too. "Did you wash your hands?" Lucy asked since Alexis is still standing there as if waiting for more. There she goes and here comes Grace. Alexis' presence is a surprise but there's no need to be this frustrated. "Just tell her you're not interested, she won't come here again, problem solved." Lucy smiled but didn't get the same reaction which means she does like Alexis who can be very likeable. Not only a cake, Alexis brought lunch too. Obviously she had it prepared and was waiting outside before calling. Sneaky. Bold. Smart too for realizing something isn't right. And entertaining… Grace is obviously having a fun time since she's been laughing nonstop at Alexis who's doing the same thing she was, trying to break free from the zip tie with her wrists tied behind her back.

"It broke. It broke!"

"Wow, she's better than you." Lucy said to Grace who looks shocked and is probably wondering how in the world Alexis was able to break free in only three tries. "Now try this." Lucy tossed the handcuffs to Alexis.

"This…isn't plastic." Okay. As instructed, Alexis put the handcuffs on, this time, in the front.

"now move it in a circular motion…mhm…just like that, get it to bind together, once you feel it's locked, then…"

"Oww!"

"you okay?" Grace said, forgetting to keep her distance.

"I did it. Look. I did it!"

That's impossible. Nobody can break it on the first try, let alone this fast. Must be broken. Is a hug necessary? Obviously, Alexis is taking advantage of the situation. It could be just dumb luck since the next one isn't broken. "Takes practice. If you rough it up, it'd be easier."

Alexis isn't smiling now and no longer standing, seems frustrated. Grace is still trying to break one while sitting on the recliner.

"sso…this is what you've been doing." Alexis asked while trying to get the chains to lock together until she noticed the silence and the stare. "I mean, I want to join you, I want to learn this too, this is interesting."

Uh oh. Lucy thought to herself.

See what you've done. Now what?

How is this my fault? You told her where you live. Just tell her you're not interested.

"You know what. This is my fault. I shouldn't have asked her for help. Kristin is going to kill me if she gets sick. Your family is going to kill me if you get sick. Both of you shouldn't be here."

Okay, that would work too. Alexis doesn't want to leave though. Whatever she's apologizing for didn't work. Offering to stay to keep her company is not a bad suggestion. Nice try. "At least, she's not with Ethan." No smile? Can't tell with the mask on. But she's right though, Ethan isn't the only guy after Grace.

"Is this what you've been doing?"

It's the same question but the way Alexis asked this time doesn't sound as nice. "What's that supposed to mean?"

"I mean why didn't you tell me? Does your wife know?"

There's that word again. She never calls Amy by that. "Do I ask you what you do with your friends? Grace is a friend. What we've been doing is not a secret, but there's no need to tell anyone either, that includes my wife. If you want to tell my wife what I've been doing, that's fine." The tone came out exactly the way she wanted. She got Alexis to apologize.

"That's not what I meant. You know I like her and…with this situation, this distancing, I can't get her to know me. After her course ends, she's going to go back to Paris. She's going to forget me. If you had told me, then…"

"Then she would've done the same exact thing and kicked you out." Lucy completed her thought for her but that's probably not what she's thinking. Alexis' sigh of defeat is quite adorable like a love-sick puppy even when half of her face is covered.

"I don't have a chance, do I?"

"She doesn't find you annoying, what else do you want?" oh, that is one pair of mean looking eyes. "Look, she's not seeing Ethan either. Okay? After things get back to normal, you're back to square 1."

"You're not helping."

Times have changed. Since when does she need help in getting a date? That's funny. "Have you tried texting? You can learn a lot about a person by texting. Maybe you'd find you don't want to be with her, maybe you'll see she's not worth giving up all your other girlfriends." Just joking; obviously Alexis isn't in the mood. "or maybe someone else comes along, sweeps you off your feet, completely changes the way you feel about men." Lucy again can't resist chuckling, this time more loudly.

"That's not funny."

"c'monn" Lucy lightly pushes Alexis inside the elevator. It's already occupied so it's not a good place to talk. Outside would be better but what else is there to talk about other than assure Alexis that her chances with Grace is as good as Ethan's. "If you keep being pushy, you're going to push her away." Get it. She should. Even Nadia can't stand it. Grace certainly won't.

"I'm worried about her. She shouldn't live alone."

Lucy sighed loudly instead of describing how safe this apartment is since she should already know. This is a good neighborhood. There are cctv on every floor. There's a lobby security guard who obviously didn't do a good job since Alexis was able to sneak in without him knowing. "She's an agent. She's not going to open the door for anyone she doesn't know." Satisfied? Probably not but what else can she do besides leave? "Sorry Alexis, she's not right for you." Lucy heads back up after Alexis' car disappeared from view.