Chapter 3

Derek went pale, his hand still hovering in midair.

Fiona immediately threw herself into his arms. "Derek, don't be mad. I'm sure Sophie didn't mean it."

I scoffed. "Oh, I meant every word. I've got things to do, and I'm not wasting any more time on you two. Let's never see each other again."

Derek called after me, his voice trembling. "Sophie Langford, get back here! Can't you see how powerful I am now? How long do you think you would last out there without me?"

I looked back at him. "I'm doing just fine without you. Better, actually."

For a moment, he looked hurt, but his expression quickly turned to anger.

"Fine! Have it your way!" he said through gritted teeth. "Let's see how long you last!"

Then he raised his voice. "And everyone better listen up! Anyone who helps her answers to me!"

I ignored him and headed for the pharmacy.

Derek followed, still taking shots at me. "What, you seriously think you can afford medicine? Or are you planning to sleep with some squad leader in exchange for a roof over your head tonight?"

I didn't break stride.

His tone turned even nastier. "Tell you what. For old times' sake, I'll give you a chance. There's an opening for a toilet cleaner in Ashford's west district. Take it, and I'll make sure you get a bowl of clean oatmeal every day."

Fiona tugged at his arm. "Oh, Derek, don't be like that. Sophie has her pride, too. Besides, maybe she's already found someone to look after her."

I finally stopped walking. "Derek, what makes you think I need your charity? My husband doesn't like me doing dirty, backbreaking work."

Derek's face went pale. He gritted his teeth. "Husband? What kind of blind idiot would marry you? You can't even support yourself! What kind of loser did you end up with?

"Don't tell me he's a scavenger, too. What's he going to do, bring you a bag of moldy potatoes every day?"

Panic flashed across Fiona's face before she quickly put on a look of concern. "Sophie, you're not being taken advantage of, are you? You know, a lot of men these days are just looking for a good time."

I gave a small laugh. "So what kind of man do you think is good enough for me?"

Derek snapped, "Don't push your luck! Who else would take you in besides me?"

"Who do you think you are?" I shot back.

Derek's face turned bright red. "Fine! Then tell me who your husband is! Go on! What's stopping you? Or did you make the whole thing up?"

Fiona chimed in, "Sophie, you didn't invent a husband just to make Derek jealous, did you? That's pretty immature."

I rolled my eyes and said nothing.

Derek sneered. "Cut the act. I know you too well. You're just trying to make me regret letting you go. Well, forget it. That's never going to happen!"

I glanced into the pharmacy, but the owner wasn't there. I was stuck dealing with these two a little longer.

"Derek, five years have passed, and you still think the world revolves around you."

The pharmacy owner, Peter Brent, must have heard Derek's name, because he came rushing out, practically tripping over himself to greet him. "Chief Callahan! Welcome, welcome!"

"She wants to buy medicine. Don't sell her anything." Derek pointed at me. "She's a broke scavenger. Don't let her dirty up your shop."