Black Temptation

Chapter 34

Quickly passing Caesar's office, I put my purse in a locked away cubby and strap on my apron. Since there are only a few customers and they already have waitresses, my head cap because I am on kitchen duty.

I begin to wash my hands when a particular scents seems to alert me. I look behind me and lo and behold, it's her.

She screams, "Oh my gosh, Harper!" And wraps her arms around me like she would a teddy. "I'm really sorry about your house."

She lets me go.

"It's unfortunate."

"Completely. Do you know-how?"

"I have a strong feeling it was arson."

She gasps, like my life is some soap opera.

"Wow...who?"

"I can't be specific but, I was hoping your brother Pierce could help me out."

"Wait? What? How?" She backs two paces.

"He might know something."

She stares confused. "Like what?"

"Like who possibly could have done this."

"Why would he know anything about this...."

I just know in my heart Harry doesn't know something about PJ and Peters relationship like he should.

"You think, PJ did this?"

"N-"

"Well he didn't and wouldn't and frankly would probably set hisself on fire first."

"Adele..."

"He's not that bad of a person. He's just misunderstood-" Aren't we all? "We all have our problems but he's not that bad. Why would you think-"

"Adele! Listen! I'm not saying he is, I wouldn't put it past him, but I'm not saying he did it. I'm saying he probably knows somebody or knows somebody who knows somebody. Let me network without you getting your personal ideas into play. Can I do that? But I need your help."

She looks away, rolls her eyes and comes back, partially focused.

"Ok. But what do you need from me?"

"I need you to call Pierce up here so I can talk to him."

She rubs her eye. "And how do expect him to just waltz up and come-for your aid of all people."

"I'm not saying he has to come with Girl Scout cookies and a key to the city." I close my eyes and try to picture what I need to say. "Just tell him that it regards both of us and that Harry won't be there so he has nothing to worry about. All I need is for him to come here with an open mind..."

Adele's eyes seem to fade in enthusiasm and ablaze in suspicion.

"Open mind about what?"

"About everything. Adele, please just stop asking questions right now," she looks at me dazed and a bit irritated. "I just need you to do this for me, please. Say you will."

She looks away and then turns back to me.

"Fine...but won't Harry have a bit of a problem IF he sees you with PJ. If y'all are on or off or whatever. Because he's a ruthless, blood sucking bastard who doesn't understand what no means."

"I came see you're still angry."

"Hell yeah!" And I know that blow up was just a phase you were going through and I didn't take it personally. But him, I don't know what I'd do if he showed up."