Pain and Pictures

Chapter 6- Dizzy

"Take the photo down."

"I already told you, I can't."

"I can pay."

Dammit.

"I'm sure you can, but it's already out there and I'm sure it's already been turned into a meme. I'd love to take your money, but what's done is done."

"Fuck! Bloody hell. Can you at least submit some sort of retraction? Something to keep people from believing the lies?"

"I could write the truth."

The look of horror on her face told me there was a lot more to it than rehab.

"No... I can't do that. I'll never work again!"

"Ms. Monroe, be careful what you say."

Asshole. I was already taking mental notes of the whole conversation. The amount I'd be paid for this information was gold!

"It's fine, Lance."

"Hold up! What's his name?"

"I'm right here, and my name is Mister Paturnaw."

"No, your first name. Did I hear her say Lance?!"

"Not that you're permitted to call me that, but yes. Why?"

I couldn't help it. I burst out laughing so hard I had to hold my sides.

"Ever since you chased me down, I've been calling you Lancelot!"

I suddenly heard a short burst of a giggle, maybe more of a chortle, from my right. I looked over at her and saw that she was suppressing a smile. What-do-ya-know?

"I think her highness likes it."

He growled. Fucking growled at me.

"Meh, it'll grow on you, Lancelot."

"Jordan. In all seriousness. I need to know what you're going to do. You need to make this right."

"Look, Vi, can I call you Vi?"

"No."

"Cool. Vi, relax."

All humor was lost on her. She glared at me like I was the devil and she was Mother Theresa.

Then she stood up, possibly a little too quickly, because she swayed and looked like she was going to be sick.

Lance shot up and rushed to her side.

"You know you can't stand up that fast. Are you okay?"

She didn't answer him.

"Move! She needs to lay down!"

I bolted from the couch and watched as he easily picked her up and placed her on my bed, well couch. They didn't know I slept there.

"What's wrong with her?"

"You're not getting anything from me."

He quickly opened his (as of yet) unopened water, pulled out a pill bottle, and handed her them both.

Well, well, well! Looks like the knight isn't so galant after all. Enabling much? He's making this too easy.

"Lance? What happened?"

Her eyes were still partially closed, and her breathing was very shallow. Part of me wanted to help her. Ask if I could call someone, anything to make it feel like I was doing something productive. But I had to remember why they were here. Hell, if I could, I'd be taking about a thousand pictures right now. If I wanted my camera in a million pieces on the sidewalk outside.

"Um... Can I do anything to help?"

Weak. She was here to keep me from making money, but she was also obviously struggling.

I'd known addicts before. My Mom was one of the worst. She'd been the perfect wife and mother on the outside, but at home, totally different story.

"No."

Well, chatty cathy over here doesn't want me to help? Big surprise.

"I was talking to her."

Growl. Again.

"It's okay, Lance. I'm going to be fine, Jordan. I just need a minute."

"No hurry. Although, two of my roommates should be home soon. The restaurant they work at closes in a few minutes. Sometimes they're there late, but not always."

"Shit. We can't stay here."

"But we still don't have a solution! I can't!"

Dammit.

"What if I meet you somewhere tomorrow? I'm sure we can come up with something then?"

"No way! You're going to call up your pap friends and ambush her. Not going to happen."

"First of all, I don't have any 'pap friends'. Second, give me a little fucking credit! I'm talking to you, aren't I?"

"What if....... what if you came with us?"

"Hell no! I've seen this movie! I have no desire to be worm bait!"

"Oh my god! I'm not going to kill you."

"I was talking about her!"

She looked at me with wide eyes.

"Kidding."

Those same eyes rolled and then closed as she seemed to be trying to think.

"I'll give you an exclusive."

"What now?"

"Come home with us and I'll let you interview me. Even snap a picture or two. I just need your word that you won't say anything to anyone, until after. It's extremely important."

Huh. This could all be a ploy to keep me from talking, meaning cut my head off. Or, she could be for real. An exclusive to her story would set me for life. Well, almost. It would certainly make finding a respectable job much easier.

"What are the terms?"

"What do you mean?"

"What do I have to do? Other than come with you and pray you don't off me."

"Ugh. We're not going to kill you!"

"Which is exactly what someone planning a murder would say."

"Point taken. I'm not entirely sure. This wasn't the plan, I'm improvising here. So, um, come back to my place."

"No! Vi, he can't stay with you!"

"Well, he can't not stay with me! How do I know he won't just write another bullshit story that everyone will believe?! This is my life, here!"

Growl. He really likes to growl.

"As I was saying. Stay with me until tomorrow. I'll be available most of the day, but I can't talk for too long at a time. As it is, all this is giving me an awful headache. I need rest."

"Fine. Let me pack a bag."