FILE.19

"What is that?"

Rosie turned to see Cedric on top of the stairs. Then her gaze fell on the package she was carrying in her arms.

"It's from my mother," she explained. "I had some things sent from home. "

Still staring at her, Cedric went down the steps until he reached the landing. "How'd you know the address of the house?"

She smiled sheepishly. "I asked Calypso. I'm sorry. I should have asked you if it was alright."

"No, it's fine." He shook his head. "You're living here after all."

"But I'm only staying temporarily, right? My mother was really surprised I changed my address and kept asking me a lot of questions. I had to tell her I was staying with a friend for a while because the apartment building was getting fumigated. I know it's a silly excuse but it was the only thing I could come up with on a fly."

While she was talking, Cedric had moved closer to her. She tipped her head back to look at him as his eyes roamed over the package.

"Who handed this to you?"