Chapter 40: Break It Down

Ares gave me a pointed look. His features softened for the first time since he arrived. “Then what, Pam,” he said.

“It’s Birdy. Please don’t call me Pam or Pamela. I don’t like it.”

He nodded. “Fine, Miss Birdy.” He put down his pen, interlocking his fingers. “Continue.”

“We talked for a long time until I excused myself to the bathroom.”

“For how long?” Ares picked up his pen, waiting to jot down the time.

“How long was I in the bathroom?” She shrugged. “I handled my business. Washed my hands.” She scrutinized at her hands. “I may have snooped a little.”

Ares raised his eyebrows. “Oh? What’d you find?”

“The usual stuff. Shaving cream. Razors. Medicine. Lotion. Soap. Condoms.” Birdy’s confidence betrayed her, and she looked away, studying her chipped nails.

“What kind of medicine?” Ares asked.

Birdy thought about it. “Adderall. Ritalin. Codeine.” She shrugged again. “There were other bottles as well.”