Purpose Read Online Free Page B

voice.
    “Yeah, something wrong?” Gar checked the area to be sure. Holding the door, he waved Ryan in. He noticed the security guard and tapped his hip to kill the illusion he had used when they were in the restaurant.
    “Evening, Shelton.” Gar nodded at the man. “This is my friend Ryan. He’s going to be staying with me until he finds a place.”
    “Um… sure.” The guard cocked his head as he spoke. After a second, he shrugged. “Whatever you say, Mr. Smith.”
    “Nice to meet you, sir.” Ryan’s voice was barely audible, and he stuck close to Gar.
    The guard rubbed the dark skin of his bald head. “Will he need a key?”
    “No, not necessary.” Gar pointed in the direction of the elevators. “I have a spare, but thank you for asking.”
    Ryan needed a bit of prodding to keep moving. His eyes swept the crisp, neat lobby. The waterfall on the wall leading to the elevator banks drew a smile, before he stopped to peer into the glass-enclosed business center. Dark at this hour, the half dozen computers and two coffee/espresso machines sat idle.
    “This place is amazing.”
    “It’s a place.” Gar had picked it because it was quiet. People slept at night and were gone during the day. Most days, he only had contact with the guard. Perfect.
    The elevator arrived, and Ryan ended up near the buttons. “Hit fourteen.”
    Ryan looked over before hitting the button. “Why am I not surprised you’re on the top floor?”
    “It suits me.” Gar let the doors close, then faced his guest. “Something wrong? You seem nervous.”
    Color rushed to Ryan’s face, even as he looked down. Gar felt Ryan’s heart rate jump. What had he said?
    “It’s my first time.”
    Gar squinted, looking for some clue. “First time?”
    “Going home with someone.”
    Without realizing he did it, Gar turned and shook his head. Stupid kid still didn’t get it. “Ryan, I didn’t pay you for the night. I thought we settled that.”
    Harsh but steady, Gar’s voice sounded more disappointed than angry.
    “I know, but still….”
    The door opened before he could ask for clarification. “C’mon.”
    Another emotion twisted Gar’s insides. Not sorrow, but still sad. Pity? No, it wasn’t that either. Regret? Yes, regret.
    Last apartment on the right, a coveted corner apartment. Top floor was the only one available when he’d inquired.
    He flicked on the lights and waited for Ryan to come in before locking the door. He paused at the closet by the entrance. “Do you want to give me your coat?”
    Hanger in hand, he motioned to the open closet with his eyes. Ryan scanned the empty hallway before he put down his bag and removed his coat. While Gar hung his jacket in the closet, Ryan moved into the main living area.
    “Were you robbed?”
    Gar followed the voice into the living room. “No.”
    “Where’s your stuff?”
    Visually, he swept the apartment. The couch, table, and chairs were there. Nothing seemed out of place. “This is my stuff.”
    “That’s it? A sofa, kitchen table, and chairs?”
    What else did he need? “Yes.”
    Ryan moved to the kitchen and opened every drawer and cabinet. Twice, he stopped to look at Gar. When he opened the empty refrigerator, he shook his head.
    “How long have you lived here?”
    “A month.” He left his confused guest and went into the bedroom. Who had time to buy stuff for an apartment he might not stay in very long?
    “Gar, you have no food, no plates, no cups, nothing. How do you live here?” Ryan took in the contents of the bedroom, but his expression didn’t change.
    “I have all that I need. The sheets get changed, the towels washed. My clothes are clean, and I have a place to sleep. Everything else is unnecessary.” To emphasize his point, Gar nodded at the still-made bed.
    Not waiting for Ryan to approve, he moved to the small closet by the bathroom. “Towels and such are in here. Help yourself.” He grabbed a set and put them on the counter in the bathroom before