" I needed the stepping stool and a screwdriver.Her face was neutral when I set the stool under an air conditioning vent and removed the plate. But th...t smug little grin was back full force when my hands found nothing in the ductwork. So much for the half-pound bags of M&Ms. I wasted a minute restoring the plate.Down the hallway past the Laundry Room. I wouldn't hide anything there - any room with a dryer could only end up with a lot of messy, gooey slime. The same applied to the closet. His expression was neutral, but his hands shook slightly and I could tell it was taking quite an effort not to look at me or say anything. It might have been sweet, if I hadn't been so angry; as it was it just pissed me off. It occurred to me he probably heard everything Aedan and I had talked about. I took a deep breath and looked away. I wasn't going to get guilted into taking pity on him. I hadn't done anything wrong.I greeted everyone, and then joined the circle on the floor, with my back. Even if the worse case did happen at least I wouldn’t have the awful visual images of Kate performing oral sex haunting me. By the time I reached my apartment at 9:00 AM I was emotionally and physically exhausted. I went straight to bed and sleep for more than twelve hours. When I finally did get up it was only to eat a sandwich and drink a couple of beers and then I went back to bed. The next day I dragged myself to work. I tried to keep busy so I wouldn’t have time to think about Kate.. There was a knock on the door, payday for Tony. He strolled over in themost brusque, masculine walk his heels would allow him and swung openthe door, fighting the temptation to just pop that son of a bitch righton the nose and let him keep his stupid damn money. Chet had a smuglittle grin on his face and Tony just stood there fuming in silence fora good couple of seconds."You look nice today," he said smirking."Shut up," sneered."Well..." Chet said, his hands in the pockets of his jeans..