I walked to the nightstand on my side of the bed and lifted the phone. Paul lurched across the bed and grabbed my arm in a rough grip. “What are you doing?”
“Calling the police, Paul.”
“No, you can’t do that!” His voice was a growl and I prayed he wouldn’t snap, prayed that I’d pulled the right string. I put the phone down and flipped on the bedside lamp. Paul winced and settled back into position on the bed. I looked steadily into his face while he looked steadily away, a veiled mix of shame and triumph washing over his features.
“I suggested to Gary that I could be depended upon to keep my mouth shut if I was properly compensated.”
“I see. So, you’re blackmailing Gary, he’s been supplementing your income, and that’s why I can’t call the cops.”
Again, I saw him tense, deciding
