Bound

Seven

The next several weeks were pure hell. Ananke’s phone rang constantly and Frank left so many loud, intimidating messages that she finally shut off the ringer and unplugged her answering machine.  He began to drop by two or three times a day to bang on the door, but always managed to disappear when the neighbors called the police. When hospital security got wind of her problem, Ananke found herself protected at every turn, and work truly became her refuge when Frank finally exacted revenge by canceling her lease.

Her peace ended a week and a half into her search for a new apartment.

“Didn’t think I’d figure out you’ve been sleeping in the doctor’s lounge?”

Clare glanced up from repacking her jump bag. She had heard that an older gentleman had shot himself in the foot to get someone’s attention, but had assumed that it was because of a cute young doctor. Now Frank loomed in the doorway of the lounge, looking less-than-ferocious as he dangled off an IV pole.

“Not only are you a sick fuck, you’re a dumb fuck!” she snapped. “If they had gotten curious and checked your blood against a database, they would’ve made you in a minute!

“Worse, you’re slipping. That trick was old when you were born.”

“But it worked.” Frank smiled.

“Shooting yourself in order to see me was worth the chance of going to prison for nearly thirty years of murders? Did you really think that through?”

“You were evading me…what could I do?”

“Maybe…stop chasing me?” Clare snapped. “I told you I was done.”

“Your boyfriend’s death does not mean a successful final exam.” Frank had resumed his usual tone, but Clare recognized the look in his eyes.

“You didn’t have me kill Cody because you wanted to ensure my loyalty; you had me kill him because you wanted me for yourself!” She shook her head. “How do you expect me to fall for you when you forced me to murder the man I loved?”

She expected him to sneer something about lust, but he simply wheeled the IV pole closer and looked into her eyes…then kissed her.

Clare tried to pull away, but thoughts of Cody drew her in and she responded with an unusual amount of grace. They lingered for quite a while and when Frank came up for air, Clare pushed him away.

“Get lost!” she growled. “You’ve wasted enough of my break already!”

He watched her in amusement, then sauntered out of the lounge, murmuring something about never truly being alone.