Walk in, you collect $20. I leave. You make it sound like a bank transaction. That would require more paperwork. He will ask questions.
I survived airport security. I'm prepared. He asks follow-up questions. I've survived customs. He'll want to know where you work, where you live, what you think of Virginia, whether you own property, and why you're unmarried.
Daniel looked over. You don't know that I'm unmarried. Laura paused. You're right. I am, but your confidence was impressive.
She shook her head. No, because you don't trust me. No, that was fast. I don't trust my father. Daniel's mouth moved slightly.
Not quite a smile. Close. They reached the rental counter. Laura folded her arms. If I agreed, there would be rules.
Of course, you are not my date. Understood. You are definitely not my boyfriend. Devastating, but clear. We do not invent some ridiculous story about meeting in Paris.
I've never been to Paris. That is exactly the kind of unnecessary fact he'll enjoy. Daniel waited. Laura exhaled. You walk through the door with me.
I win. 5 minutes, then you leave. So, I'm not your date. No, not your boyfriend. Absolutely not.
Just evidence. Laura stared at him. That's disturbingly accurate. Daniel picked up his rental agreement. Address?
She gave him the street name. Daniel glanced at her, then toward the exit, only for half a second. Then it moved again. Laura saw it. You know the area?
Daniel looked toward the exit. A little, that was all he said. 40 minutes later, Rain followed them off the interstate into a quiet neighborhood outside Richmond. Laura recognized every turn before Daniel made it. The pharmacy where her mother used to buy birthday cards.
The gas station Frank claimed had ruined coffee in 1998 and never recovered. The church with the crooked sign. Daniel drove without asking questions. Then the house appeared. White siding, dark shutters, two oak trees near the road, and the porch light was on.
Laura went quiet. Daniel slowed near the driveway. He always leaves it on. Only when I'm late, he pulled in. Laura kept looking at the warm square of light above the front steps.
Or when he thinks I'll change my mind. Daniel glanced at her. But she was already reaching for the door. 5 minutes, she reminded him. I've been briefed.
If he offers food, say no. What if it's good? It will be. That's how he traps people. Daniel looked at the house.
You've made him sound very dangerous. You haven't met him yet. They reached the porch. Laura raised her hand to knock. The door opened first.
Frank Bennett stood there in a blue flannel shirt, reading glasses pushed onto his head. He looked at Laura, then Daniel, then the clock on the wall behind him. Without saying a word, he reached into his back pocket and pulled out his wallet. Laura smiled. Frank removed a $20 bill and handed it to her.
I dislike losing. You should practice. Frank looked at Daniel. And you are? Laura opened her mouth.