Closets and a new contract

"Hey James, your closet's here. But before that, let's go over everything for next week." Emily -25SP Hm, not sure how I should read that. Doesn't seem like she's that opposed to me or that attached.

"Sure thing, but it's best if I show you. Could you follow me?" We entered my bedroom, Klara and mom being deep in conversation, not really paying too much attention to whom I was walking with.

"What the fuck happened to the wall, James?"

"Uh well, can you promise me to keep it a secret for now? At least until I or the police tell you the coast is clear?"

"Uhhh sure James, but what is that? You make it seem scary now." Emily +8SP (-17SP)

"My mom and I discovered yesterday that my father seems to have installed mini spy cameras into several apartments and then rented them out to people. The tenant before me was a woman about my age, and this camera was in the bedroom."

"James, what the fuck. Do the other tenants know yet?"

"Yeah, I've sent them an email and announced that we'll remove it on company costs. That's why I need you. Plus the police is already investigating. This whole thing will be public once they finished their investigations."

"Alright, I'm glad you're doing the right thing. But why would your father allow the removal?"

"Oh right, I haven't told you yet, have I? He's currently awaiting trial abroad for something else and had a falling out with my brother, so he put me in charge of the company. Every since then, I find out worse shit about him." Emily looks at me with pity. "I thought I had a nice father, the only good landlord, but no, he's just bad somewhere else. And now I have to reap the consequences of his actions."

Emily hesitated a bit, but gave me a hug. Emily +7SP (-10SP) I don't think she loves me, she just wants to comfort me. But sometimes I do need a hug.

"Sorry for making you deal with my problems", I say as I get out of her embrace, "How much will this cost? Just to get a rough idea for the other buildings too?"

"Well, all this really needs is a bit of Spackle, so my labor and travel costs are gonna matter much more. For all five places this should be a grand."

"Alright, thanks. I'll send you the money by Tuesday, okay?"

"Works for me."

In just that moment, Officer Miller calls. I put her on loudspeaker.

"Hello Mr. Goodman, Officer Miller from the Sexual Crimes Division here. You have told me that you wanted to remove the spy cams from Tuesday to Thursday next week, right?"

"Yes, those appointments are fixed now, I have found someone already."

"Oh, excellent work, Mr. Goodman. I was calling because I want to be present when this happens. Just in case something is different elsewhere. And to interview the tenants."

"Sure, I don't see a problem with that." "Fine by me too.", Em interrupts. "I'll text you the times once the tenants get back to me, if that's okay?"

"Yes, of course. Thank you for your time, Mr.-"

"One more thing, Officer Miller." I could hear her grumbling through the microphone. She stayed Jane +10SP (-64SP) "I spoke to a person that might be important as a witness for your investigations. She's alleging that my father didn't stop at spying on a tenant."

She immediately seemed to grab something and asked me for information on Klara, then we ended the call.

Emily was finished too. "I'll bring you the closet now, then I'm gonna enjoy my weekend." Oh, that's why Officer Miller was so mad, I assume. In this moment, I saw a notification I had not expected. Isabella +3SP (+67SP) When Emily returned, she simply said "You're popular with women, it seems like. At least that's what the two women in the kitchen talked about." She chuckled a bit. What did my mom do?

Emily left and I entered the kitchen again, Klara and my mom were still talking, but stopped as I entered. Klara turned to me: "Well James, I think I need to head back. My invitation for Saturday still stands." She seemed a bit unsure how to say goodbye, but glancing at my mom, she settled for a handshake. Amber was probably right, Klara liked me.

"Mom, today was a busy day. I think I'm just gonna sleep now, okay?"

"Good night, honey."

She was grumpy again. I could practically hear her thoughts. She wanted a thank you. "Thank you, by the way. For the breakfast, and for telling Klara how my relationship with Amber is nothing serious."

"H-How do you...? Sigh. You know me that well, huh?"

"Yeah mom, of course I do. C'mere, give me a hug." Isabella +1SP (+68SP) Why was she so opposed to giving me a hug?

"You know, I don't like that you're dating multiple women."

"And why not?"

"You realize that your father cheated on me, right? That wasn't fun. And you don't see any problem with cheating on Amber? Are you just doing this to get the company or what?"

"Mom, I'm not cheating on Amber. She knows about this. Dad married you. You thought you were the only one in his life because he promised it to you - and then broke that promise. But me and Amber? We're just having some fun, okay? And if it turns serious, well I can always save up for an engagement ring later, no?"

"I... guess?" She was still suspicious, the new trait confirmed that. And she was kinda right, a guy like me, who was to afraid to speak frequently shouldn't have developed such a strong game with women in such a short time.

I went to my room, turned on my work laptop, and began editing some articles.