Swamp Murder

Swamp Murder. 11

As I step out of the hospital, I take a deep breath, feeling the weight of exhaustion settle over me. Grandma's illness has taken a toll on both of us, and right now, I have no idea how long this hospital stay will last or how we'll manage. I wanted to reassure her that I'd be nearby, but she was asleep when I left. So, I asked the nurse to pass on the message if she woke up.

"Please let her know I'll be back soon," I had told the nurse, the worry in my voice clear.

"Of course," she replied gently, giving me a nod of understanding.

Now, I make my way to Grandma's market stall to tell her friend Mrs. Qin about what happened. I know she'll be concerned and want to help if she can. As soon as I arrive, though, I realize word has already spread.

"Oh, are you okay?" Mrs. Qin asks, her brows furrowed with worry.

"We're fine," I assure her, though I'm not sure how true that is. "Grandma's in the hospital. But... I need to find a cheap room for us while she recovers. Do you know anyone who's renting?"

"Yes, yes," Mrs. Qin says with a nod, motioning for me to follow her. She leads me through the bustling market, past stalls filled with produce and wares, until we reach a small, weathered-looking sign: Lee's Rental.

Inside, a man named Mr. Lee greets us. He shows me around, explaining the different rooms he has available. The cheapest one is $80 a month, and while that's reasonable for most, I know it's beyond my means.

"Can I have your number?" I ask, forcing a smile. "I'll call you after I discuss it with my grandma."

Mr. Lee nods, handing me his card. As I take it, I'm already mentally calculating ways to make up the extra cash. Grandma's health comes first, but this uncertainty is like a shadow that refuses to leave.

After I leave the rental shop, I decide to visit Black to discuss the situation. I enter his office cautiously, half-expecting him to be busy, but the moment he sees me, he leaps from his chair, eyes bright with intensity.

"Give me your number," he says, his tone insistent.

I shake my head, slightly exasperated. "If you hadn't noticed, I don't have a phone."

Without missing a beat, Black gestures to his bodyguard, Stone. "Get him a SIM card and a phone," he orders.

Stone's face tightens with irritation as he glances my way, but he doesn't argue. He leaves the room, though not before giving me a look that could cut glass.

Black pulls me down to sit beside him on the small leather sofa, his expression softening slightly. "I don't know what you said to my friends last night, but they haven't stopped calling me about it."

I shift uncomfortably, feeling a little guilty. I wasn't trying to cause any trouble, just standing up for myself and Grandma. "About that..." I start, but Black's phone rings, cutting me off.

He lifts a finger, silently asking me to wait. "Okay, okay," he mutters into the phone before ending the call. He looks at me with a renewed urgency.

"Go freshen up," he says, his tone suddenly brisk. "There are clothes on the bed in the other room. My driver will bring you to me afterward."

"But can we at least talk about last night?" I ask, hoping to get some clarity.

He glances at the door, clearly in a rush. "We'll talk about it later," he replies, already halfway out of the room.

Before I can respond, he's gone, leaving me alone in the quiet of his office. I feel a mix of frustration and curiosity as I walk toward the adjoining room he indicated. As promised, a set of clean clothes is laid out neatly on the bed. They look new, tailored for someone like me, though I can't help but feel out of place in them.