Non-Stop Reads: A Study in Sin by August Wainwright

Wednesday, August 7, 2013

A Study in Sin by August Wainwright

Excerpt:

“Jay and I are actually here on business, Remy. He's looking for a new place to stay and I remembered you complaining about not being able to find a roommate to split expenses with.”

An anomalous, interested look appeared in Remy's eyes as she studied me over. She perked up and seemed excited at the mention of living with me.

“I helped a woman with a break-in last week. A not-too-smart gentleman had pegged her an easy target and robbed her bakery. After I set things right, she offered me the apartment above her shop at a great rate. There's more than enough space for two, but I can make a bit of a mess when I'm focused on something else. Will that bother you?”

“I think I can manage.”

“You won't mind if I spread my papers out all over the floor?”

“No, that's fine,” I said, smiling back.

She continued, “I go through these bouts of depression. I'll go silent, sometimes for days at a time. Just leave me alone and try not to bother me and I'll find my way out. And don't take anything I say personally, especially when I’m dejected. What about you? It's best we know what we're getting into with each other before making any commitments.” She spoke like an engineer I knew in the Air Force.

“Well, I don't care for petty arguments and I'm admittedly lazy, so your messes won't bother me. I don't sleep much, I'm up at random times because of my nerves, hopefully that won't be an issue.”

“Would you consider persistent piano playing a reason for petty arguments?”

“Not if you play like Miles Davis. Now if you play more like my niece, then we might have some issues.”

Remy ignored the attempt at humor and slid from her stool. “I think we'll be great together,” she said as she made her way around the end of the lab table, her hand outstretched to shake mine. Remy took my hand and held it firmly, shaking it as she moved in close. “So which was it, Iraq or Afghanistan?”

I stared down at her for a moment. Her question took me by surprise.

“Afghanistan, how the hell did you – ”

She slowly rose onto her toes and tugged at my shirt, pulling me down towards her. Her big eyes looked up into mine. And very deliberately, she kissed me. Not a peck on the lips, but a kiss that sent shock waves through my entire frame. She lingered, pressing her soft wet lips against mine as her hand trailed up my left arm. I felt the heat of her body against me. Then suddenly, she pulled away, taking a step back.

“I'll text you the address and we can go look at the apartment together tomorrow,” she said. She grabbed her bag and walked out of the room, leaving me to stand alone in silence.

I turned and faced Sam who was staring at me with an annoying smile on his chubby face.

“What the hell was that?”

“I warned you she was odd.”

“Did you tell her I was in Afghanistan?”

“Nope. That's just what she does.”