Drowning in the East River by Kimberly Pierce Page B

David stammered, looking down at his feet. "Really, if you have company, I don't want to disturb you."
     
    "Get in here," Elise said, pulling the door open for him. A slow smile crossed over her lips. She reached out for his hand, giving it a gentle squeeze as it slipped inside of her's. "You know I can't say no to you, David." She let her hand linger on his forearm as he crossed next to her. "Come on. It looks like you need to see a friendly face."
     
    "I appreciate this, Elise," David said, quickly wiping at his nose with his handkerchief. "You have no idea."
     
    "I'm sure you'll find a way to make it up to me," Elise replied. She took a moment, helping him slide his worn jacket off his shoulders. She slung it over one of the rickety chairs in the corner of the room.
     
    The bedroom glowed with the light emanating from a gas lamp tucked neatly in the corner.
     
    David looked around quickly, not quite sure what he was walking in too. Three men were sitting cross-legged on the hardwood floor, wallowing in thick, herbal smelling smoke. Just looking at them, David could tell they were intellectual types. One of them quietly scribbled in a notebook, while the others seemed more interesting in socializing.
     
    "David Freeman, this is Alexander, Carl and Martin." Elise said, gesturing towards each of the men in turn. Elise gingerly sat back down on the floor, tucking her knees demurely underneath her. She picked up her cigarette, which balanced on the rim of the ashtray. "This is my little collective."
     
    Unbuttoning his vest, David sat on the floor, tentatively joining the small circle. He rolled up his shirt sleeves, and brushed a stray strand of hair from his face. Alexander, Dean and Martin were clean shaven, barely older than twenty. Their suits had the crisp polish of well-bred university boys. Their ruffled hair cast a hint of rebellion over their squeaky clean image.
     
    Elise held out a cigarette. "Take a puff, David," Elise said, moistening her lips. She crossed her legs around in front of her, seemingly unconcerned with how much she was putting on display. She smiled gently, "You'll feel better."
     
    One of the men stood up and slowly and crossed the room. "I know what we need..." He dug through a chest of drawers, pulling out an elaborately designed green bottle filled. A mischievous smile crossed his lips as his eyes shot towards Elise. "Just as I thought..."
     
    "Good thinking," Elise said, holding her hand out for the bottle. She glanced over at David, her eyes bright and glassy. She pressed the rim of the bottle to her mouth. She squeezed her eyes closed as relaxation flooded her body. She licked her lips, with just a hint of seductiveness. "This could be just what you need."
     
    Elise passed David the bottle of absinthe. Bringing the bottle to his lips, he took a long swig of the sweet, thick drink. He coughed, trying to disguise a hiccup in his throat. David looked down at his hand; he was playing with the wedding band on his ring finger. "I buried my wife and daughter last week. I'd rather not be alone right now."
     
    The boy called Alexander took off his glasses and rubbed his eyes, which were glassy from the cannabis. His voice was quiet in the relaxed silence of the room. "I'm sorry for your loss." He turned his head, and looked David over with wide and expressive green eyes. "I can't imagine what you must be going through."
     
    David glanced toward Elise. Her deep blue eyes seemed miles away as the conversation continued. A slow smile spread over her lips as she chuckled quietly to herself. The reefer and drinks hand gone to her head, and she was having a great time lost in her own little world.
     
    Elise grabbed David's hand and worked the wedding band from his narrow finger. She raised her eyes to meet his. "I know just what to do with this."
     
    "But-" David sat froward, watching her carefully.
     
    She pulled a simple gold chain from around her neck. Working the tiny clasp, she fed the