Violet Grenade(42)

Cain rubs his jaw. "I don't know you, Domino. I doubt many people do."

"What about you?" I say, turning things around. "Why do you work here?"

Shadows cross his face, and he stands. "I don't know what that person told you on the phone, but it wasn't good." He peers at me from over his shoulder. "You okay?"

"You didn't answer my question; why should I answer yours?" 

Cain smiles and walks a couple of steps away. He crosses his arms, mimicking me, and stares out at the guesthouses. It's a long time before either of us speaks again. Finally, I ask him a bold question, maybe for shock value, maybe because I'm invincible with the moon standing so close.

"Do you think there's something different for you after this life is over?" I ask.

He steals a look in my direction. "Something easier, you mean?"

"Yeah."

"Like heaven?"

"Sure."

Cain shakes his head and releases a long breath. "Not for me, little lion."

Then he's gone, striding back toward the house, leaving me alone on my plastic chair, knees pulled tight against my chest.





Chapter Twenty-Six

Embrace

I've lived inside Madam Karina's Home for Burgeoning Entertainers for almost two weeks. In that time, I let go of the fantasy that Dizzy ever really cared, I've removed the mask I wore for the past year, and I set a goal to earn twelve hundred dollars to rent a place of my own.

It's a goal Poppet and I are accomplishing together.

Today is market day, and I've paid off my debts and now have sixteen dollars to my name. Staggering, I know. Of course Poppet reminds me that if I leave the money with Madam Karina and Mr. Hodge that interest will accrue, so I go that route. It's not like I'm going to chance leaving cash out in the open again.

I buy nothing from the market and, though it takes some persuading, Poppet doesn't either. It's reward enough that we both finished in second and third place this week. Raquel is now in fourth, and retaliating at every turn. So are the other girls. I've woken up to gum in my hair and Poppet's favorite dress in shreds. We've been spit on, shoved, and humiliated. The girls now realize I'm not fighting back, and they're taking full advantage. But yesterday morning, a girl named Shiloh waited until Poppet came out of the shower. She then stole her towel and blocked the door while three other girls pointed out every flaw on her body.

If I'd seen that happen, I'm not sure I could have kept Wilson from returning. But I didn't, and Wilson has been good about lying low. In fact, the closer I get to Poppet and Cain, the less he whispers in my ear. It's as if they soothe something inside me that Wilson usually handles.

Eric descends the stairs and steps down into the basement. Poppet and I are both there. We're not buying, but we're still curious as to what's available and what the other girls are snapping up.

The officer sees me and waves me over. "Come with me to Madam Karina's room."

I glance at Poppet, and then do as he asks. As I follow him up three flights of stairs, nervous energy zipping through my body, I think about why he's here when he should be patrolling the streets of Pox. Maybe he's a private officer hired by Madam Karina. It still bugs me, though. Cops have certainly never done me any favors. I also remember what Poppet said about him being the one who found her. I think it was Eric who first saw me in Detroit, also. Is he some sort of recruiter on top of being an officer? I fidget at the idea.

Eric raps once and Mr. Hodge calls for him to enter. When we stride through the door, Madam Karina is lying in bed, a creamy duvet pulled to her waist. She's propped up by pillows and smiles when she sees me.

Without taking her eyes off my face, she tells Eric, "You can go."

Eric pinches his enormous nose. "What about our payment? The boys are getting antsy, and I'm still waiting for my finder's fee-"

"Did you not hear what she said?" Mr. Hodge interjects. "She said go. Now get out of here before I bust your head open."



       
         
       
        

"Oh, Frank," Madam Karina says, as if she's truly horrified by Mr. Hodge's demeanor.

Eric grunts and slams the door behind him.

I stare at the space he once occupied and think about what he said. About his boys getting antsy. Does Eric have sons? Does he mean the other Pox police officers?

Madam Karina opens her arms. "Come here, Domino. Sit right next to me on the bed." Mr. Hodge pulls out a cell phone and stares down at it as I cross the room. I sit where she tells me to and Madam Karina pulls herself up farther. "You know, I've never seen a girl make such quick progress. Not since Lola, anyway. She's our Top Girl. Do you know what that means?"