Chapter 27 - The cost of love

"Um..." I gave out a low groan and rubbed my forehead with my right hand, making my final decision on what to say.

"A man got shot beside me at the bar tonight, so his blood got splattered on my sweater?" I lied, turning my cowardly gaze to the side as if I was depressed by what I'd just said.

"Oh dear!" Shelly gasped in a saddened voice and moved closer, turning my head to face her with both hands pressed against my cheeks. "I'm sure that must have been so terrifying for you to have witnessed"

Her soft consoling whisper only woke the frightening images of tonight's attack.

"Hm-mm" I hummed softly.

Then I raised both my hands and curled my fingers around Shelly's wrist as her hands remained on my face. "I just want to um... Get changed and possibly, get some sleep. It's been -- a long night"

"Yeah, sure... You don't look to bright yourself, maybe some sleep could do." she agreed in a hasty whisper, pulling her hands from my face before stepping aside to give me some space.

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