"I - I…" Calista smiled nervously, unsure how to respond.
"If he go inside with me. he might find out I'm a detective," Calista thought. "Ugh, think fast, Calista!"
He snapped his fingers in front of her face, pulling her out of her thoughts.
"Y-Yeah! Sure!" she blurted.
"F*ck! What did you say, Calista?! You're so dumb!" she mumbled to herself in panic.
"I'll follow you," Leander said calmly, smiling.
Calista led the way to her apartment, heart racing. Leander followed casually behind. As soon as they entered, she rushed to the living room, grabbed a pair of handcuffs, and shoved them into her pocket—just in case.
"Think of it as your home. Sit," she offered nervously.
Leander sat on the couch and looked around. "Why don't you go and take a shower first?"
"It's okay," she said, trying to play it cool.
"You smell like a skunk," Leander said bluntly, pinching his nose.
"Really?!" Calista sniffed her own clothes. She immediately pinched her nose in embarrassment.
"I-I think I need a shower," she muttered and bolted to the bathroom.
"This is so embarrassing," Calista whispered as she closed the bathroom door.
Just then, Leander's phone rang.
---
He picked up.
"Brother Lea! Finally, you picked up my call!" a cheerful voice came through.
"What do you want?" Leander asked coldly.
"How's your little flower, Brother?"
"I've told you—I'm not interested in her."
"Then how about your kitty?"
Leander stood up. "How do you know her?"
"Brother Lea, don't be angry. Sit down. You're my brother. I always keep an eye on you."
Leander pulled the curtains shut, instantly alert.
"Evander, don't do this. Why are you stalking me?"
"Let's make a deal, Brother."
"One thing first—did you send that guy to shoot me?"
"Aa! No, Brother."
"So… what's the deal?"
"First call me by my nickname," Evander teased.
"Come on. Is this important?"
"Yes, Brother."
"Fine. What is the deal?"
"Nice! I'm going to offer a deal to someone… and you have to come with me."
"How many times do I have to say I'm not interested in your drug thing?"
"Please. Just once. One last time. You're great at dealing."
Suddenly, a voice from behind interrupted—
"With whom are you talking?"
Calista had returned, towel around her neck, eyes narrowed.
---
To be continued...