Free Bayou Judgment by Robin Caroll

stained and the stench of a homeless person clung to him. “Heard you were looking for me.”
    Well, well, well…the greasy kid did know how to get in touch with Kipp. Or had Kipp been hiding there, after all? “So you broke into my apartment?” She eased around the couch.
    â€œI need money. They’ll kill me if I don’t pay them. Just like they killed Jolie.”
    â€œWho are they?”
    â€œThe loan sharks. They’re watching me like a hawk, waiting to see if I turn on them. If I do, I’m a dead man.” His body shook. “I can’t tell you who they are.”
    Was he on drugs? With the wild edge in his eyes, he sure looked dangerous. She prayed whoever answered at the center would listen and not hang up. “But you can steal from me, yes?” Anger pushed against her heart. “What kind of man are you, Kipp Landry?”
    â€œOne who’s running out of time.” His hand locked around her wrist. “Are you gonna give me the money or not?”
    She jerked her arm free. “No. The police are after you, Kipp. You have to turn yourself in.”
    All the rage left his face. “You think I killed my sister?”
    Up until this afternoon, she’d have said no, but now…seeing him like this, like a junkie looking for his next fix? She tightened her grip on the cell phone in her pocket, praying someone could hear the conversation. Kipp’s yelling had to tip somebody off that he wasn’t sane. She had to keep him talking. “Hiding from the police makes you look guilty.”
    His face contorted into a grimace. “I didn’t kill Jolie. I loved her.” His voice came out as a creak.
    â€œSo much so that you didn’t even have the decency to attend her funeral?” She fisted her hand on her hip. “Didn’t even bother to pay your last respects?”
    â€œI couldn’t! They’ve been following me continuously.”
    So he led them here? She couldn’t help looking at the front windows.
    He followed her gaze and rushed to the window, jerking the curtains closed all the way. “I need you to give me ten thousand dollars.”
    She let out a snort. “Do you think I just keep that kind of money lying around?”
    â€œYou have it. I know you do.” He towered over her.
    â€œNot in cash, and not here.” Maybe she should try reasoning.
    â€œKipp, paying them isn’t going to make everything okay. Jolie’s dead. Murdered. Stabbed multiple times.” Bile nearly choked her, but she forced herself to continue. “If these people are the ones responsible, by not going to the police, you’re letting them off the hook. You’re helping them get away with murder.”
    The muscles in his jaw flinched. “Don’t you think I know that? That it makes me feel like I’m no better than pond scum? But I can’t do anything if I’m dead.”
    â€œPaying them won’t bring her back, or give her justice.” Keep calm, keep him talking, that was her plan. Her only choice, really.
    â€œJustice? You think they care about justice? They don’t. All they care about is their money.”
    She inched away from him, slowly. “And then what? You pay them off and everything’s okay? They back off?” She shook her head. “What about Jolie?”
    â€œShe’s dead. As hard as that is for me to accept, I can’t change that.” He scratched his fingers through his hair.
    â€œAnd you’re okay with paying your sister’s murderers?” She took another slow step backward.
    â€œIf it keeps me alive, yes!” He closed the distance between them and gripped her shoulder. “Now, where’s the money?”
    Pressing her lips tightly, she ran through her options. Should she give him the money and send him on his way, try to outrun him and make it down the hall to the bedroom where her other phone sat on her nightstand or try to