?Running With Scissors ?

?c h a p t e r 50?

"Really? They why couldn't I leave?" I probe him.

He runs a hand over his face trying to hide his smile. I knew he'd like this once he gave it a chance. "I was trying to protect you Constance. You know, from the real bad guys."

I cross my arms in defense. "Was Craig a bad guy?"

Before Luca can reply, doctor Holt jumps in with his hand raised in the air like a student. "Excuse me but, who is Craig?"

"Not this again!" Luca rolls his eyes.

"He was a friend and Luca killed him just for touching me! It was just a little contact and this big brute snapped his neck! He needs to learn that he can't just go around killing people who touch me." I nearly yell.

The therapist scoots his chair a little further away from me and wipes his forehead. He's been eyeing Luca warily this whole time and I can't blame him. I almost feel sorry for dragging the past up but this needs to be done.

"We we're fugitives on the run! He could have turned us in and then where would we be? Dead. We would be dead!" He defends himself.

"It's not just about Craig. It's about all of them. What about Daniel from human resource, Martin from the checkout line and Jake from State Farm!" I toss my hands in the air dramatically.

"That last one didn't happen and you know it." He deadpans me and I chuckle a little.

"I know I just wanted to see if you were listening." I put my hand over his and give him an honest smile. "But I wouldn't put it passed you."

He returns my smile and I get butterflies in my stomach. Those stress lines have nearly disappeared after his name was cleared of all infractions and he no longer had to run from anyone. Calm and relaxed is a good look on him; one I hope I get to see for a long time.

Doctor Holt clears his throat to get our attention. He looks a little green from listening to our conversation but continues anyways. "Has, uh the cops been notified of the deaths?"

"Oh yeah. Long story short, I've been pardoned by the president for all murders and the past year Constance and I have gone around trying to make amends with those I've killed; both the non-sanctioned government kills and my own." Luca shrugs as if this is old news. "But the thing is, no matter what I do my girl isn't happy!"

"You still haven't apologized to me!" I tell him in a obvious tone.

"Apologize? Everyone I owe one to is already dead and last time I checked, I haven't killed you. Yet." He adds the last part going off script.

"No but you're going to want to when I take down our next mark." I wiggle my brows at him playfully. If he can deviate from my well thought out plan than so can I.

The doctor is making notes a million miles per hour trying to keep up with our banter. Our story is so full of craziness that he's completely missed the fact that Luca and I are playing off one another. Sometimes the obvious is the easiest thing to miss.

"No no, this one is mine, I mean he is a really crappy therapist and because he was used by you as a torture device for me. . . I'm obligated to take him down. I call dibs." Luca points at the doctor who has stopped writing.

"He's not just a bad therapist but a bad terrorist. Isn't that right Mr.Holt?" I look at his frozen expression as he assess the situation. "Manufacturing bombs and laundering money through your own business was not a smart move."

"You didn't even bother clearing your browsing history. Now that's just sloppy." Luca smiles at him like a wolf smiles at a wounded animal.

Brian Holt's eyes nearly fall out of his face when he realizes we aren't here for therapy. I love how criminals are always surprised when caught. Like, didn't you know that good always wins in the end and Mr. Holt is definitely on the wrong side of the law. He looks from us to the fire escape and then in one quick move, jumps through the window like a madman.