Page 96 of Payback
“Yes, I can see it. Tell me the truth, and I’ll help you dress.”
“According to the contract, you have to do everything I say. So help me get this on.”
“Are you serious?” I asked as I positioned myself in front of him.
He met my eyes with a stern expression and nodded once.
“Go ahead,” he ordered.
“Why can’t you just give me the truth?”
“Because the truth isn’t meant for you. Now get my arm in the fucking shirt!” he demanded.
“I don’t understand why you didn’t go to the hospital,” I grumbled, irritated as I moved behind him and assisted him in getting his arm through the shirt. He looked utterly drained as I stood before him. His hands trembled as he tried to button the shirt.
“Alison...”
“Fine!” I sighed, getting down on my knees in front of him and reaching up to fasten the buttons of the shirt. He let out a deep breath, tilting his head back slightly as he appreciated not having to do it himself. I completed the task quickly, but then he gestured to his pants, which he hadn’t even buttoned. At least I wasn’t undressing him, I thought as I helped him secure his pants as well. Despite the fresh clothes, he still appeared disheveled. Even with the new outfit, he seemed completely out of sorts and needed a moment before he could stand upright again.
“Listen, if we got you a doctor…” I began.
“No doctor. However, I’ll have that drink before I leave.”
“Sorry? You’re leaving again?” I asked.
“I have to. I have something to do,” he said, pressing his hands to the small couch he was sitting on and attempting to rise, but he fell back on his first attempt. “Alison...”
“No!” I firmly told him. “I’m not helping you unless it’s because you’re telling me to take you to the hospital!”
“Consider it this way,” he exhaled. “If I do this, the month will be up rather quickly.”
“Yes, and the only one the police can point fingers at is ME!” I emphasized, making a theatrical show of pointing at myself to convey how serious it would be if I were found with a dead body. “I have motive and no alibi.”
“Okay, maybe that wouldn’t be the ideal situation, but if I leave, you won’t be discovered with the body.”
“No, but a little investigation, and they’ll realize I stayed here. Once again, it gives me motive and no alibi.”
“Alison,” he sighed, extending his hand, a clear gesture for me to help him.
“No! Not unless I can take you to the hospital,” I insisted.
“Concerned about me now?”
“I don’t want to be suspected of murder, that’s all,” I informed him, hearing a slight chuckle escape from him.
“Well, your Master is instructing you to assist him in standing, so help me up from here.”
“You should stay seated. You’re pale, and you don’t look well.”
“Alison, it wasn’t a question, nor did I ask for your personal opinion on this. I need you to help me get to my feet,” he demanded.
“Why not just stay down? You’re clearly seriously injured.”
“I hardly feel it,” he reassured me.
“Funny, the greenish color on your face suggests otherwise.”
“Alison!”
