Pierced

Cover

Chapter Six

Lia

"When I find him, he's dead!" I've chanted nothing but my intentions to kill Lucian for the last hour. I'm so furious with him; I'm shaking. Normally, Fridays are my favorite day of the week. I only have two classes, which leaves me with the afternoon to catch up on schoolwork and run errands. In addition, I allow myself to splurge on a Starbucks frappe while I enjoy their Wi-Fi. I have received no notification from Date Night, so either Lucian doesn't plan to see me tonight, or he isn't using Date Night to do it.

I stop at the mailboxes in the lobby of my apartment building and thumb through the envelopes on the way up. When I find one from my bank, I cringe. Just what I don't want to see today, my bank statement; proof in writing each month that I'm barely holding my head above water. I know better than to ignore it. I run so close some months that one little mathematical mistake on my part could equal disaster. A returned check and the fees associated with it would put me into the red. My pay from Date Night this week has been better than usual thanks to Lucian, and even though I feel guilty about taking his money, it's a relief to be caught up on my bills at the moment. I'm surprised when instead of a statement, it appears to be a receipt. Surprise turns to shock when the receipt shows a deposit into my account for ten-thousand dollars.

Opening the door to my apartment, I'm met by a pissed-off Rose. "Bitch, why didn't you tell me about your new job?!"

"Wha-What?" I ask, still freaked out over the bank's mistake.

"I had to hear about it from our machine? You had to have known about it for a while if you've already quit Date Night." I want nothing more than for her to go away so I can call my bank before this mess gets any worse. No doubt someone is wondering where their money is about now.

"I have no idea what you're talking about. I need to make a call. My checking account has been screwed up."

Rose gives me a hurt look and walks over to the answering machine we keep for our regular phone. Rose's parents insist we have it in case there is an emergency and both our cell phones are dead. A little paranoid on their part, but they pay the bill, so we don't complain. It is also my contact number for school and work. "Lia, it's Carrie at Date Night. I received your email about your new job at Quinn Software. I'm so sorry to lose you, but congratulations, and give me a call if you ever need a job again."

Suddenly, everything becomes blindingly clear. I would bet my last dollar that my bank account balance is no mistake; Lucian promised to take care of things and he has. I am his new woman-whore-and he's paying for the privilege. Rose looks at me in confusion as I literally growl in anger. I run back out the door and to my car. As I start the engine, I realize I have no idea where to find him. I could call or text, but I am spoiling fora fight, and I want it to be in person. I quickly Google his company and find the website for Quinn Software. Bingo, there on the contact page is the address I need.

My anger abates little as I drive entirely too fast to the downtown Asheville area. A parking space in front of the building is empty so I pull in. Quinn Software is an older building that has been carefully restored. I'm surprised; I would have expected all glass and steel. I step into a sleek, modern lobby with shining marble floors. I resist the urge to stomp my feet on the company name etched in the marble floor. I only make it a few steps before I'm forced to stop at the reception desk. Shit, I should have known I wouldn't be able to reach Lucian without going through his people first; the element of surprise will certainly be lost now.

A perky redhead I estimate to be around thirty asks politely, "May I help you?"

"I need to see Lucian Quinn." Her eyes widen in surprise as they pass over me. Apparently, Lucian doesn't receive too many visitors dressed in old t-shirts and cut-off jean shorts. She probably thinks I'm a homeless person looking for money. If she hands me a dollar, I'm going to choke her.