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“No, I don’t kno it is,” Elena said firmly, “and I don't actually care how it is You hired et, and I deserve to get paid”

“I know, and I’ll pay you Just give me a couple of weeks”

“Weeks?” Elena all but shrieked “Weeks?”

“Geez,” Mitcham wheezed, “you don’t need to holler”

Elena closed her eyes and took a deep breath, willing herself to keep her anger in check She tried again, this ti a tone that herand wouldn’t listen

“Mitcham,” Elena implored softly, “I’m a freelancer I live pay-check to pay-check If you don’t pay me now, then I can’t makeon that money to keep me afloat till nextfor my own money”

“Aw, there’s no need to beg,” he said uncoet you your money”

“When?” Elena pressed

“As soon as I can,” he said evasively

“When will that be?” Elena asked in rising fury

There seemed to be some sudden static on the other end of the line, but Elena was not fooled She knew that Mitcha it

“Mitchaly, but he cut her off

“… you know the line is bad eh, doll?”

“No it isn’t –

“… I’ll catch you later, doll”