Deceptive Bonds

Mia and Marina kept their sneaky thing going right there on the living room couch, wedding ring still warm on Mia's finger and everything. Just two people trying to snatch some heat between police visits and bad dreams. The doorbell killed that plan cold. Mia shoved Marina behind a chair, heart hammering, while Candee marched in like she owned the place. The new detective knew every trick. Quick questions, fake sympathy, eyes everywhere. Mia kept her story straight though. Coffee sounded good. Candee asked, Mia fetched. Simple. The cup tipped. Hot coffee soaked straight down the detective's front, turning cool fabric hot. Mia ran for towels, disappeared down the hall, left the two of them alone. Behind closed doors, tongues worked. Turns out the detective was in on it. Marina did the killing. Candee fixed the evidence. All Mia needed now was a towel and two sets of hands, legs, and mouths already making plans she hadn't signed up for. She came back with fresh cloth. They hardly noticed. Then the pitch came out sweet as sugar with steel underneath: a night on the couch, three bodies pressed tight, and Mia walks away free. All she has to do is play along every step of the way.