Chapter 12 - THE PHONE ROMAN RETURNED
The forensic examiner released Emily’s phone after the main evidence work finished.
Roman brought it to her.
He placed it on her kitchen table.
Cracked screen.
Scratched case.
Emily stared.
“I thought the shop owned it.”
“I bought it.”
“I know.”
“Legally.”
She almost smiled.
“Very important to you.”
“Usually.”
Then he slid the pawn receipt beside it.
One hundred eighty dollars.
Emily touched the phone.
“That bought Noah’s inhaler.”
“And started a due-diligence problem worth several million.”
“Best investment you made?”
“Not even close.”
She laughed.
Then Noah came into the room.
“Is that Mom’s broken phone?”
“Yes,” Roman said.
“Why did you buy it?”
Roman answered:
“Because I’m nosy.”
Emily laughed.
Better than hero mythology.
Then Noah asked:
“Are you Mom’s boyfriend?”
Both adults froze.
Roman said:
“No.”
Emily said:
“No.”
Noah shrugged.
“Okay.”
Then went back to his game.
Roman looked at Emily.
“Humiliating.”
“Survived worse.”
He stood to leave.
At the door, Emily said:
“Thank you.”
“For the inhaler?”
“For stopping when I didn’t want you taking over.”
May you like
Roman nodded.
That mattered more.
