Chapter 49: Before The Auction
The morning sun cast a golden glow over the serene neighborhood as Celine jogged beside Veronica.
"You’ve got to tell me, V," Celine said in between breaths.
Veronica glanced at her neighbor, who was already struggling to keep up. "Is this why you wanted to join me for the morning jog?"
"Maybe," Celine admitted, her face flushed. "But come on. You’ve got to spill the beans."
Veronica slowed her pace as Celine wheezed beside her. "There’s nothing to spill."
"Liar." Celine said. She had stopped jogging entirely, doubling over with her hands on her knees.
"I know... something happened that night. Tell Me."
Veronica watched her heave up and down, then stopped jogging herself. "Are you all right?"
"Yes...I’m fine." Celine waved her off. "Just...give.... me a moment to catch my breath."
Veronica waited patiently as Celine recovered. When her neighbor finally straightened up, she continued jogging.
"Fine," Celine called after her. "Keep your secrets." Then she followed after.
Veronica didn’t respond, but she had a small smile on her lips.
Moments later, Veronica was back in her apartment. She took a shower, made some tea and stepped out to the living room.
The familiar scent of lavender filled the space as she settled onto the couch and turned on the TV.
Part of the reason she hadn’t spoken to Celine about that night was simple embarrassment.
She’d never been the type to share intimate details, and she was still wrapping her head around the whole thing.
The other reason was that she hadn’t heard from Nathan since he left. And that made it a sore topic to discuss alongside other things.
I can’t believe I called him mein Schatz
Veronica shook off the thoughts and opened WeTube. She sipped her tea, scrolling for a video when her phone buzzed with an unfamiliar number.
Annoyance flickered across her face as she picked it up.
"Who is this?" she asked with a deadly tone.
Two seconds later, a familiar voice came through the speaker. "Hey, doc. What’s up?"
Veronica’s eyes widened. "Nathan? Is that you?"
"Yes," he replied. "How have you been?"
Veronica set her cup of tea down to cradle the phone with both hands. "I’m fine. I didn’t think you’d call so soon."
"It’s nothing. Just checking in."
They talked for a while, exchanging bits of information.
Veronica told him she’d passed the news of his death to Catherine and the detective.
Nathan mentioned what he had been up to: enjoying the hotel and making plans.
Then the conversation settled into something more comfortable.
"So," Veronica asked, her tone softening. "Are you planning on visiting me soon?"
"Not yet," Nathan replied. "I have to attend an auction."
Veronica frowned. "An auction?"
"Yeah. It’s a long story, but I need to acquire something for a hacker who’s helping me."
Veronica listened as Nathan narrated the whole ordeal. The hacker, the manuscript, and the auction.
When he finished, she had leaned back on the couch.
"Hmm. Do you want the anklet off? Is that why you called?"
Nathan was quiet for a moment. "Not really. I don’t think the event has rules. I just got burner phones from Moe and wanted to hear your voice."
The admission made Veronica’s cheeks warm. She bit her lip, a small smile forming before she could stop it. "I see."
"Besides, I figured you’d want to know how I’m doing."
Veronica smiled. "As your doctor, it is in my best interests that you’re healthy."
She paused, her expression turning more serious. "Nathan?"
"Yes?"
"Are you planning on getting revenge on your friends, like hurting them?"
There was a moment of silence. Then Nathan spoke, his voice steady. "Yes. Do you have a problem with it?"
Veronica considered her response carefully. "Quite the opposite. They deserve everything coming to them."
She paused. "But don’t lose sight of clearing your name. Revenge is satisfying, but it won’t give you your life back."
Nathan smiled on the other end. "I haven’t forgotten."
There was a moment’s pause before Veronica spoke again. "Your sister really cares about you. I hope you can do all this quickly so you can see her."
"That’s the plan," Nathan replied. "Thanks for giving the news. It must not have been easy."
"It’s not a problem." Veronica felt a warmth spread through her chest.
"Good luck at the auction. If you need some financial support, I’d be happy to help."
"Is that so? Just how rich are you doc?" Nathan asked.
"I’m not rich and stop calling me doc," she said with a smile.
"Whatever you say doc," Nathan replied. "I’ve got to go. Take care of yourself."
"You too."
The call ended, and Veronica set her phone down smiling. She stared at her phone for a moment, saving the number.
She returned her focus to the TV, but her mind was elsewhere.
A moment later, the doorbell rang. Celine stood at the threshold holding a tray of batter.
"My oven sparked again," she announced. "I think it’s finally given up."
Veronica opened the door wider to let her in. Celine stepped inside, went to the kitchen and put the tray in the oven.
Veronica walked in, holding her cup and Celine turned to look at her. "What’s got you in a good mood?"
"Good mood?" Veronica asked, raising her eyebrows.
"Yeah. You were smiling when you opened the door," Celine said. "And I know it’s not because of me so...." her eyes widened.
"It’s him right?" Celine said with a grin.
Veronica shrugged, taking her eyes elsewhere. "We spoke a few minutes ago."
Celine flashed a grin. "Well well. How is he?"
"He’s fine," Veronica replied almost instantly.
Celine watched as she tapped the mug with her fingers before speaking again. "You wanted to know how that night went?"
Celine’s eyes opened in delight. "You’re finally going to spill the beans? I have to get popcorn."
Veronica rolled her eyes but couldn’t suppress her smile entirely. "It’s just sex. It’s not that serious."
"Oh it definitely is," Celine said and walked to the front door.
Minutes later, she came back with a bowl of popcorn, settled onto the couch, and looked at Veronica expectantly.
Veronica shook her head and let out a sigh.
---
Back at the Veridian Crown.
Nathan had just ended the call with Veronica. He gave himself one last look in the mirror and threw his reflection a thumbs up.
He grabbed his things, wore his hat and face mask then headed downstairs.
The lobby was a bit quiet that morning. The chandeliers cast warm light across the marble floor.
Nathan caught a glimpse of a man heading to the elevator. The man’s hood was pulled low, his face obscured.
He barely registered him and walked to the doors. Across the street, a black 1967 Chevrolet impala was parked.
Della was leaning on it. She wore a black dress that complimented her figure and held a small purse in her arms.
Nathan flashed a smile as he approached. "Nice car you’ve got there Detective," he said then turned to look at her.
"Have you ever considered a modeling gig?"
"Save the flattery and get in the car," Della said flatly. She opened the door and got in the driver seat.
Nathan slid into the passenger seat. "It’s not flattery if it’s true, DDD."
"DDD?"
" Detective Della Decker, Triple D," Nathan replied.
She rolled her eyes. "You’re acting like a kid who has never gone to prom."
"I haven’t," Nathan replied with no hint of sarcasm.
Della turned to him, surprised at the information. "Oh," she muttered but did not push it.
She glanced at his head. "What’s with the hat?"
Nathan it gently. "To hide my hair? Since I’m technically dead and all." he looked around her. "You got a mask right?"
"Yes," Della replied. "It’s in my purse."
She started her car and moments later, they were cruising the city.