Chapter 6 No.6

Lila reached for Grafton's arm.

Grafton shifted the joystick on his chair. The wheel jerked to the left, dodging her hand.

He looked at her hand like it was covered in slime.

"Do I know you?" Grafton asked.

Lila froze. "I'm Lila. Julian's... friend."

"Friend," Grafton repeated. He made the word sound like an insult. "And why is Julian's friend asking me for help?"

"My card isn't working," Lila said, putting on her best baby voice. "And Francesca is being mean."

Grafton turned his head slowly. He looked at Francesca.

His expression softened. It was a terrifyingly good acting performance.

"Is that true, Francesca?"

"She tried to buy the store, Grafton," Francesca said. "She can't afford it."

Grafton nodded.

He reached into his jacket pocket.

He pulled out a black titanium card. The Centurion.

He held it out to the sales clerk.

The clerk's hands shook as she took it.

"Pack it up," Grafton said.

Lila gasped. She looked at Francesca with triumph. "See? I knew he would help."

"Pack up the silver dress," Grafton continued. "And the red one. And the entire fall collection in size four."

He paused.

"And have it delivered to Francesca's apartment."

Lila's mouth fell open. "What?"

"For Francesca," Grafton said. He looked at Lila with cold indifference. "Why would I buy clothes for you?"

"But... I'm wearing it," Lila whispered.

"Take it off," the clerk snapped. She was already moving toward Lila. "Now. It belongs to Ms. Pearson."

Lila looked around. Everyone was staring. The humiliation was total.

She ran toward the changing rooms, sobbing.

Grafton rolled closer to Francesca.

He stopped inches from her.

"Happy?" he murmured. Only she could hear him.

"It's a start," Francesca said.

"Good," Grafton said. "Now you owe me."

Lila came out a minute later. She was wearing her old jeans. She looked small and pathetic.

She grabbed her purse and headed for the door.

"Miss Sterling," Grafton called out.

Lila stopped. She turned, hope flaring in her eyes.

"Tell Julian," Grafton said, his voice loud enough for the whole store to hear, "that Francesca is with me tonight. Family business."

Lila's face crumpled.

"What family business?" she asked.

"None of yours," Grafton said.

He nodded to Francesca. "Push me."

It was a command, not a request.

Francesca stepped behind the wheelchair. She gripped the handles.

She pushed him out of the store, leaving Lila standing in the wreckage of her dignity.