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nodded. Was he always this distrustful? She wondered why he wouldn’t at least give her the benefit of the doubt. Innocent until proven guilty—wasn’t that how it was supposed to go?
    â€œBy the way, I did call the restaurant to confirm your story. Did you think I wouldn’t?” he asked with a scowl. “They’d never heard of you.”
    â€œWhat!” Beth cried, now understanding Bateman’s continued mistrust. “I work there! I really do, and Rob owes me two weeks’ pay. That lying asshole is trying to cheat me.”
    Slamming a foot on the brake at a red light, Jon muttered under his breath, “She should be an actress. Certainly is a convincing liar.”
    That finally did it. Grateful or not, desperate or not, she was sick and tired of him not believing her.
    â€œ I am telling you the truth ! ” she yelled. “Take me to the restaurant now and I’ll prove it.”
    Pulling onto her street, the lawyer replied that he didn’t have any more time to spend on her case today. Beth decided that after showering and changing into clean clothes, she would walk to the diner to find out what the hell was going on and get her pay. She needed that money to give her roommate.
    Beth was surprised that Bateman parked, rather than just dropping her off. Apparently he really did want to see exactly where she lived. She was embarrassed that the fancy lawyer would see her nasty neighborhood and decrepit apartment building, but when Bateman followed her to the entrance, she realized it would be hard to put him off. Beth unlocked the front door and he followed her up the three flights.
    Glancing down at him, she saw that Bateman was taking in everything. His presence made her see the building from the eyes of an outsider, and she was aghast at the rundown state of the place—stained carpeting, musty smell, and peeling wallpaper. The inhabitants they passed climbing the stairs were scummy-looking, but worst of all, Beth realized she looked no better—or cleaner—than they did. She just hoped that her roommate wasn’t home. Beth really didn’t want him to witness the scene that would unfold when she couldn’t fulfill her promise to repay all her debt.
    Reaching her apartment, Beth turned and thanked Bateman for the ride home.
    â€œI’ll just wait until you’re safely inside,” he replied. While the comment sounded gentlemanly, Bateman clearly didn’t trust her. She sighed and retrieved the apartment key from her purse, but when Beth tried to put it into the lock, it wouldn’t go in.
    â€œThat’s strange.” She tried it again.
    â€œWhat’s the problem?” Bateman asked.
    â€œI don’t know. It won’t go in,” she murmured, making another attempt.
    â€œLet me try,” he said, reaching for the key. Reluctantly, Beth stepped aside. Now he would undoubtedly go in and see that the inside didn’t look any better than the hallway. Bateman raised the key, but suddenly the door was pulled wide open. Beth’s roommate, Sandy, stood in the doorway looking angry and barring the entrance. She glared at Beth, demanding, “Where have you been? I thought you’d run out on me.”
    â€œNo, of course not. It’s a long story. Just let me in, please. For some reason my key isn’t working.”
    â€œI changed the lock, and you’re not stepping one foot inside unless you pay me all the back rent you owe plus this month’s in advance. That’s three months…as well as the cost of the locksmith. Then maybe I’d consider letting you in.” Sandy held her hand out, as if expecting it that very second, but her eyes flicked to Jon standing quietly behind Beth. They widened, taking in his expensive suit and fine leather shoes.
    Why wouldn’t Sandy let her in the apartment? Something was very wrong, and shivery unease trailed down Beth’s spine.
    â€œSandy, I’m