NIGHT MOVES

DINNER PARTY

"Do you have a message from Culpeppuh?" I inquired as unbothered as I could.

"I do. Hot off the press too! She wishes to break bread with the three of you at midnight."

"I'm guessing all we can bring is a report?" I gripped forearm at my side.

"That would be handy. Yet she wishes to engage with you. To gather insight into your framework, if you will." She gave a rendition of a customer service grin.

"Well dinner sounds marvelous. As Culpeppuh is a most intriguing woman." Audrey fanned herself with the file.

I shook my head as I organized my desk. As I didn't understand Aud's obsession with our client. A person has never been one of my special interests.

"Oh find anything noteworthy?" Birdie eyed our disaray of gear.

"Uhh where do I start? She's so innovative and acomplished for so young a woman!" I felt Aud's eyes on me for a split second and flicker away.

"There's a chance that she could inadvertently aid in the case. As an assistant, sleuthing regulations state I must document everything. If you'll pardon me, I have something to mail." She wiggled the medium sized manilla envelope, but stayed put.

"Well, I'll see you tonight. Excuse my interruption." Birdie smiled and followed Audrey's footfalls.

"Pleasent dreams, boss B." Carver waved Birdie off.

Audrey gave me a questioning look after catching my eye at the corner. I shook my head to show it wasn't safe to leave yet. Audrey nodded and we continued to shoot the breeze. After five minutes I made a move towards the exit and Audrey followed me out. I slowed in order for us to be able to walk side by side down the hall. The closer we arrived to my suite I realized I'd need her help showering. When we came upon Aud's door I haulted my footsteps.

"What up babes? Did you forget something?" Audrey touched my shoulder.

"I'm gonna need youh help in the showuh. Do you want to shower first." I gave her puppy eyes as I leaned against the wall.

"Naw, I'll grab clothes and showuh with you. It'll be like old times at summuh camp." Aud entered her room.

"Summuh camp? We shared one last month when you had that date out of hell's corner. You bettuh not hog the watuh like you usually do." I gibed as she handed me the envelope.

"Honestly we're both watuh hogs, missy. Have you grappled the urge to drag youh feet to the showuh. Yet once unduh the rain nevuh wish to leave?" She glanced at me as she scanned her wrist.

"I do actually. I don't understand it at all." I chuckled as I leaned against the door frame.

She collected her clothes I fanned myself with the file as I felt a tad warm.

"Hey, my demon ex never had any complaints about my hogging the watuh." she shot back.

"Oh I'm sure he didn't. As I'm sure he enjoyed watchin' the blue flow down youh bo-dee." I chuckled.

"Well I could say the same of you and ass face." Aud stuck out her tongue as she carried her clothes and toiletry bag.

"Ick, let's not contemplate those shit heads." I gave Aud's arm a gentle squeeze.

"It's difficult, especially when his name is brought up. I have to remind myself that it's not my reality anymore. I'm safe and have my soul sistuh to lean on. Is what I say on the good days. The bad days... I stay home and pampuh myself with a self-care spa."

"I'm glad youh affirmations are helpin'. I'm touched that you would include me in youh recitation." I wrapped my good arm around hers.

"It's the reason I've found it difficult to work full time. Let alone hold down a job. It's also why I begged you to allow me to be youh dad's assistant. I feel grounded when I'm around you, plus I dig the vibes at his office. So if he'll have me I'd like to work full time, aftuh this case." Aud took my keycard and opened my room's door.