CRYPTO: Infidelity (Book 1)

CHAPTER 33: HELPER

The next day, I went to the courthouse. I wasn't working that day, but I brought my badge just in case I had any access issues.

I marched right through the doors, flashed my badge at the secretary, and went straight to Spiney's office. I tried to open the door but it was locked.

"Are you looking for Judge Spiney?" someone asked me.

"Yes," I said.

"He's in court right now, but I can pass a message along to him if you'd like."

"Thanks, but it's a personal matter," I told him. "When will the judge be available?"

"His lunch is at twelve."

"Alright. I'll be back at twelve."

"What's your name, sir?"

"Crypto Federici."

I went home and picked up the plate Birdie had dropped off with dessert. I had been meaning to give it back to her. Now I had time.

I knocked on her front door and she opened up.

"Brought your plate back," I said, showing her the clean plate I had already put through the dishwasher.

"Oh, I already forgot about it," Birdie said. "Thanks, Crypto." She grabbed the plate and kissed my cheek.

"Is Rockie home?"

"No. He had work to do," she said. "Did you enjoy the chocolate peanut butter bars?"

"Yeah, they were delicious! I didn't eat them all myself. My uncle enjoyed them too."

"I'm glad," Birdie said with her usual beautiful smile. "Well, I should probably put this in-" When she lifted the plate up, it slipped out of her paw and shattered onto the floor. Birdie screamed and jumped back.

"Oh my dog! I'm so sorry," I said.

"It's not your fault. I'm just clumsy."

"Let me help you clean up. Where's your broom?"

"In the closet. I'll get it. Wait here. I don't want you stepping on the glass." She left and brought a broom and dustpan back.

I held the dustpan while she swept the glass and I threw the glass into the kitchen garbage.

"Well, that was a whole thing," Birdie said. "I bet you didn't expect to clean when you came over."

"No, but I don't mind."

"Then you wouldn't mind doing the dishes?" she asked.

"Not at all," I said. I went over to the sink.

"Crypto, I was just kidding. You don't have to-"

"I want to," I told her. "Let me do this for you. You're probably tired of doing the dishes."

"That's true," she said. "Well, okay, but I'm gonna unload the dishwasher since I know where everything goes."

"Fair enough," I said. "So do you always do the dishes or does Rockie help?"

"Just me," she said as she put away the dishes. "Rockie doesn't think he should have to do any chores since he works and I don't. I think it's fair. I mean, it makes sense. Doesn't mean I like it."

"I work two jobs and still do half of the chores at home," I told her.

"That must be exhausting."

"Yeah, but I live with my uncle and I don't pay rent so it's really the least I can do."

"I bet he likes having you around. You're such a good helper."

"Yeah. I guess. I'm trying to save up my money so I can move out soon."

We chatted while I did the dishes and then half an hour after that.

"Can I have your phone number?" I asked her.

"What for?" Birdie asked.

"For emergencies like if Rockie doesn't answer his phone or, you know, in case you get lonely or something."

"Well, alright. I don't see why not." She gave me her number and I felt better knowing I could talk to her whenever I wanted without having to worry about Rockie intervening.