alwayskayaking | Duplicity Inbox

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Duplicity Inbox

Duplicity Inbox

You've reached Tim Stoker. I'm out at the moment. Leave me a message and I'll return your call soon.

I wasn't up to much when I got your text. Plus it's rude to keep a lady waiting.

For you? I have all the minutes in the world.

[Yeah, that smile's in her voice, and she's glad of it.] You could've been working, so I wasn't sure.

[And that smile fades some as she continues, not exactly proud of the thing she's coming to him on.]

So...um. [Tick tick tick.] Does that offer to help keep me out of jail still stand? [Sasha's feeling a might sheepish, Tim. Be kind.] I really thought I could do it. That I, Sasha James, would be brave enough to do this thing without taking up you or Jon on this because you offered. Because everyone else could do it and did! Thought I could really sign with someone I didn't know at all--and we started talking about it more seriously. [She chuffs.] I... I chickened out. Hard. I couldn't do it. If not, if you can't? If you don't want to? I get it. I do. Just...

[She sighs heavily and lets out a frustrated grump.] I suck.

Hey. [His voice turns stern.] Hey, you do not suck. This isn't easy. Especially for someone with one of those stupid marks on their necks. You're basically being forced to trust a complete stranger with your life. Not being able to do that? Means you're a sane person.

Of course you can contract with me. No way am I going to let you go to jail over this. But you should know I have found someone else as well, but it's fine, I can contract with two people. His name is David; he's a dective and seems like a pretty good guy.

[Tim might actually be able to feel her relief through the phone.]

I mean, that's cool. That's okay, if you're okay with him. I trust you. [But a thought does occur to her that gives her a bit of pause in her moment of gratitude.]

Are you sure you can have us both? Do you have the space?

I don't know him that well, but he needed a contract and so did I. So, here we are.

I have the space, I- uh, I actually already rented a three bedroom place. You know, just in case you needed a contract in the end? Not that I didn't think you couldn't get one, but-- [He trails off. But what, Timothy?] --just in case.

[She's arching a brow in both mild surprise, and amusement. Not that you can see it, Tim, but...

He might actually hear her smile through the phone.]

Did... You thought I would chicken out, didn't you. You rented a three bedroom because I'm shit at this.

No, I just wanted to give you a place that would be safe in case whoever you signed up might not be such a good person.

So, since you're thinking of contracting with me you'll need that room even more than ever. I hear that guy is an ass.