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I grinned “So what do you think now, Gerald?” He had no answer I snickered That shut you up, didn’t it?

Later, as I was treating myself to a quick hit, there was a knock at the door I checked the peephole It was a cop! What did he ith me?

“Answer it,” Gerald said

“Quit telling me what to do,” I replied As if he ever heard me

“Oh, c’mon,” he insisted “What do you have to hide?”

Fine I grabbed a can of rooathered my wits as best I could “Maintain,” I toldthe door

The cop at my door smiled He looked super-friendly (Jealous, Gerald? I rim satisfaction)

“Mrs Taylor?”

“Yes?” I said

“I’d like to speak to you a moment Do you mind if I come in?”

I paused to consider Should I invite a cop into my apartment? “Well ”

“Oh, why don’t you let him come in?” Gerald taunted “It’s only polite Tell him he’s welcome”

I shrugged and relented “Why not?” I said “Come on in”

He followedroom then sat on the couch and peered at me

“Care for souts twisted as I tried to look as normal as possible God, I wish I hadn’t just taken that hit