When Doom Found Violet novel · Chapter 4 of 24

Chapter 4: Fair Is Fair

Doom laughed, and it was a short rough sound that surprised both of us.

"Your story's better than the truth," he said. "How much did that car cost?"

"Thirty thousand," I said. "I have the receipt."

"For him?"

"Until today I thought he deserved it."

I rubbed my aching temple.

"It was nearly perfect. They wanted forty, and I talked them down ten."

"Thirty it is," Doom said.

"If you can't pay it all at once, we can work out payments," I said. "I don't mind."

His face went hard.

"Know your lane, woman. Don't tell me what I have."

"I didn't say you had nothing."

"You said payments."

"I said I'd worked myself to the bone for that money, so I know thirty thousand dollars isn't small for most people."

I held his stare.

"I'm not insulting you. I'm just not the kind of person who takes advantage."

After a long moment he gave one nod, and the argument was over.

"Can my brother come get me now?" I asked.

"No."

"No?"

"He doesn't come to the compound," Doom said. "Somebody will take you to him."

He left.

I looked at Doc, who was trying very hard not to laugh.

"What?"

"Flower, you're something else."

"I don't know what's wrong with me today," I said. "My mouth won't stop."

He chuckled and started writing on a pad.

"Muscle relaxers and painkillers. You'll need both. Stay in bed at your brother's for a few days."

"I will."

"If I hear you didn't, I'll tell Prez."

Somehow that threat worked better than any warning label.

"I can't teach like this anyway," I said. "Or pour drinks."

Doom came back carrying a manila envelope, and he dropped it in my lap.

It was heavy.

"Fifty," he said.

"What?"

"Thirty for your car. Twenty for the trouble."

"No, thank you."

The room went still.

Doc found something very interesting on the far wall.

I looked inside the envelope and counted.

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