Perfect Pitch

Renee was sure to remain in Aisha’s bedroom, furthest from the door. Sure enough, that expected knock came when Deanne was told by Melanie that she'd gone to get the mail and never returned. Renee jumped into the closet, not that she expected Deanne to force her way into the apartment and search the place. “What did she say?” Renee asked when Aisha came into the room and gave the all-clear. She could hear enough to tell it was the ENT but not make out everything she was saying. “She just asked if I’d seen you today, and I said no. Melanie told her you went down to get the mail, just as you hoped she would.” Renee gave a loud sigh and let herself fall onto the bed. “Maybe I shouldn't have done it. Maybe I shouldn't have taken the money.” “It's too late to go back, hun,” Aisha said, plopping down next to her and putting an arm around her. “If you do, she's probably going to beat your ass and then call the cops on you anyway.” “I know, you're right.” Then an idea came to her. “How about this, though? Maybe I could keep the money but not have to hide if I went over there and said that there was a knock on the door and I was forced at gunpoint, while Melanie was napping, to open the safe by someone who knew the code. Then I could say they made me take off with them with the money, and then they decided to drop me off somewhere.” “That wouldn't work, babe,” said Aisha. “There are too many problems with that one. For starters, they would argue that Melanie should have woken up to the sound of the intruder ordering you around. The biggest thing is that you have no trace evidence or anything proving that your story was true in any way. Wouldn't you think you were making it up?” “Yeah, I suppose I would, agreed Renee. “I just wish I could go back to the beginning of the day and not have done this.” “But you said you wanted a house.” “I do, but now I'll always have to be looking over my shoulder, worrying about both the law and karma.” “Yeah, but while you're doing that, you can make a game of it and let being a fugitive in hiding be fun and exciting. I mean, just think…you and her money are just a few feet away.” Aisha glanced toward the dividing wall and laughed. Renee couldn't help but let out a giggle, which Aisha quickly followed. Then they gazed at each other intently. Their faces slowly moved toward each other and their lips locked in a sweet, passionate kiss. When they pulled back, Renee said with a grin, “Well, it's time to make some real plans. Plans that I'm hoping will include you, since you're not only helping me but also because I definitely like being in your company. We can't hide me in this apartment forever, so tomorrow or whenever you're not at the boutique, maybe we can start looking for a place.” “I definitely like that idea.” It was then that something hit Renee. “Aisha?” “M-hm.” “Are you really willing to consider being with me?” “Absolutely. With or without the money.” “But how do you know you can trust me after what I just did?” “I know because it isn't every day that one gets the opportunity to steal so much money to begin with. Besides, how many people do you know that wouldn't jump at the opportunity for such a large sum of money if they could get their hands on it?” Renee looked thoughtful for a moment, then said, “I see what you mean.” “You're only human, sweetie pie.” “Yeah, I guess I am.” “And so am I. Let me show you just how human I am,” she said, wiggling her fingers suggestively. Renee followed her curiously, as well as with the anticipation of having some fun. The way Aisha was acting suggested fun was just what she was about to get. It had been a while for Renee, so she was ready. Instead of getting settled in bed, however, Aisha led her into the living room, a finger over her lips to remind her not to talk too loudly. Renee nodded with understanding as the two took a seat on Aisha’s couch. In front of them was a laptop that sat on the coffee table. “What is it?” Renee whispered curiously. Aisha tapped a couple of the keys and up came a video of Renee leaving the doctor's place and hurrying toward Aisha’s, bag of money in hand. Renee looked at the screen, stunned with horror. “See the timestamp?” Aisha pointed out. “This is the first time you came over.” Renee was speechless as Aisha then showed her the second and last time she came over. Finally, she stuttered and stammered with both shock and confusion. “What the fuck?” she finally managed to croak out. “I only work at the boutique part-time. My other job is graveyard security.” “Oh, my God!” Renee exhaled. “I didn't realize there were cameras in the hallway. For some reason, I thought they were only in the elevators and entrances.” Aisha smiled and shook her head slowly. “Well, you got rid of this, didn't you? I mean, this is just a copy, right?” “I deleted the parts that show you coming over here on the copy that counts.” “Oh, thank God!” Renee said, hugging Aisha. But Aisha felt stiff, and Renee sensed that something was wrong. She had no idea what it was just yet, but something simply didn't feel right. “What do we do now? You said you deleted the part showing me coming here, but what about the rest of it? We can’t have any copies of me carrying that bag out of her place, so how do we hide that?” “You become my little sex bunny or else I turn you in.” Renee blinked with surprise. Certainly, the woman was joking. “I don't understand.” “Do I really have to spell it out for you? I don’t have to turn in the part where you come here, as there are other apartments in this direction. I could always claim the part where you come to this door was damaged or destroyed. So, you either live as my own personal sex slave and housekeeper or I turn your ass in. It'll be just like working for the doctor. Only there won't be any whiny brats around and you won't get to go outside. At least not for a while. But as a bonus, you get to have the kind of fun you definitely didn’t have with the good doctor.” Renee simply stared at Aisha in disbelief.