Maryn

Chapter 5 - Big Rotten Apple

"I'm sorry."

I stood, shifting on my feet and taking a deep breath. I had worked up a cold sweat the entire way to the apartment.

"I don't expect you to forgive me right away, or at all for that matter. I know that what I did was wrong. It was selfish and reckless. I just wanted to tell you that it will never happen again, and I hope you still want to be partners."

The door didn't answer, of course. I must've gone through a hundred different ways to apologize on the entire walk to the apartment. It resulted in a few curious glances and odd stares from pedestrians. When I arrived, I immediately wanted to turn around and start all over again. The last grain of sand had fallen, and it was time for the real deal.

I raised my hand to knock on the door, but the knob was already turning. Matthew stood, emotionless as he leaned against the doorway. Again, I sucked in as much air as I could and prepared myself.

"I'm-"

"Sorry?"

I nodded. "It was-"

"Selfish and reckless? It will never happen again?" He crossed his arms. Suddenly, an amused smirk crept onto his lips for a brief moment before fading into a more firm expression.

"Yes. And I hope that we're still partners."

He was quiet and stood almost motionless. It seemed time had literally slowed. I was starting to crack under the weight of tension in the air.

"Is... is Mr. Henry okay?" I asked.

"As far as I know, he'll be alright."

Again he resumed his silent stance.

I let out a breath and shoved my hands into my pockets.

"So... do you think you could ever forgive me?"

After what felt like ages, he gave a small smile and uncrossed his arms, holding out his hand.

"I forgive you."

To say I was shocked was an understatement. I was almost ready to get on my knees and beg. Almost.

I shook his hand and then held out my arms.

"Come on, bring it in," I said.

He chuckled before stepping back to let me inside. I stayed right where I was.

"Matto, you know you want to."

"Maryn, it's fine."

"Oh, come here, you beautiful bastard." I pulled him into a squeeze before placing a kiss on his cheek. He tensed up, but returned a gentle pat.

"Now, let's talk about how thin these walls are." I gave him a friendly smack on the back and walked inside. I flopped down on the couch and rested my feet on the ottoman. Matthew pulled together some papers from the dining table and took a seat across from me.

"We have another assignment."

"Really? Give me the details," I said, leaning forward.

"A woman named Alice Carlisle has supposedly been experiencing demonic activity in her home for the past four years. She said she contacted a priest years ago to bless her home, but the demon has been lying dormant. Now, things have progressed, and she claims she's waking up with scratches and bruises."

"You had me at demonic. When do we leave?"

"Tomorrow afternoon. We need to be at the airport by 9:30am."

Matthew set down the stack of papers. I eyed them briefly, noting the photos Alice provided of her bruises.

"Airport, huh? Where are we going?"