Crime Writer Margot Kinberg

Ava checked herself in the mirror. She turned quickly when she saw Heather walk up behind her.
“More protesting?” Heather asked.
“Yup. Somebody has to take a stand.”
“But this is the second time this week.”
“So? We aren’t going away quietly. The city is closing the Arts Pavilion, they’re cutting funds for the theatre group, the whole thing! If we don’t stop them, there won’t be any art, music, or dance. And then they’ll go for the library.”
“You sure it isn’t because of Nick?” Heather teased.
Ava glared. “No, it’s not. I like him, and we’ve gone out a couple of times, but that’s it. We’re both committed to keeping funding for the arts. What’s wrong with that?”
“OK, OK,” Heather surrendered. Her roommate could be touchy about men. She was about Ryan, and she was about Dave. Now it was Nick. Whatever.
Ava nodded and picked up her protest sign. “I’ll be back,” she told Heather as she left.

The group gathered in front of the City Council office and began chanting. Ava looked over at Nick and smiled when she caught his eye. Nick smiled back and said, “I’m glad you’re here. Want to get some food when we’re done?”
“Sure.”

An hour later, the protestors slowly disbanded. Ava and Nick headed to the diner across the street from the City Council office.
“I wanted to talk to you about something,” Nick said when they were seated. “Remember I was telling you about my band?”
“Yeah, sure. I want to hear you guys.”
“We’ve got a real chance.” Nick’s face lighted up as he went on. “People have been talking about signing us and maybe even doing a tour.”
“That’s great!”
“It’s just – it all costs money, you know?” Nick looked steadily at Ava. “We need backing.”
Ava caught the hint. “I don’t know, Nick. It’s not like I’m rich.”
“I know, but you work in finance. Maybe you could help us get funding.”
Ava thought for a minute. “How about I see what I can find out and let you know.”
“Thanks!”

When Heather got home, she found Ava sitting at the dining table working on her computer.
“How was the protest?”
Ava turned to look at Heather. “Pretty good. We’re getting more interest.”
“Whatcha doing?” Heather gestured towards the computer. “It looks like money stuff.”
“Just going over my accounts.”
Heather sat down in another dining chair. “You’ve been doing that a lot lately. Is something wrong?”
“No, not at all. It’s just that Nick needs some backers for his band – you know, I told you he plays bass – and I’d like to help.”
That was an immediate red flag for Heather. “You mean, you want to give him money? You guys just started dating a month ago.”
“So? Why shouldn’t I help?”
“Because he’s taking advantage of you.”
“He didn’t ask for money. I’m going to offer it.”
“I bet he didn’t. The good ones get you to give them money without asking.”
“What are you talking about?”
“I don’t want to be harsh, but I think he’s scamming you. Didn’t you just give him some money a week or so ago?”
“It wasn’t a lot, and anyway, he paid me back.”
“That’s how it starts.”
Ava stiffened her back and turned towards her computer screen. “Thanks for your input, but I’m fine.” Heather knew when she was beaten.

Two nights later, Ava met with Nick for a quick dinner before his band rehearsed. “I have a surprise for you,” she told him.
“What? It’s not my birthday.”
“I know. I found a way for you and the band to get the backing you need.”
“Really? Wow! How’d you do that?”
“I talked to some people I know. They have a tech company, NanoWorld, that makes these great apps. I invested a couple of hundred with them and boom! A month later I had three times what I put in.”
Nick was quiet for a minute, thinking about the possibilities. “We could make some real money that way.”
“I know I did. I could even chip in fifty bucks to help you get started.”
“Let me see what the guys say.”
“OK. And I’ll email you the company’s information.”

A week later, Heather was doing some baking when she heard Ava come in. “In the kitchen!” she called.
“Smells great! What are you making?”
“Just some bread.”
Ava leaned against the kitchen counter. “Hey, could you lend me some money?”
Heather stopped working and looked at Ava. “For what?”
Ava blushed a little. “I want to get some groceries to make a special dinner for Nick. Shouldn’t be more than fifty bucks.”
“I don’t know, Ava. I still think Nick’s scamming you. Did he sucker you into making him dinner?”
“No he didn’t!” Ava snapped. “And you know what? Forget about it!” She turned to leave the kitchen.
“I’m sorry, OK? Look, you can have the fifty bucks if you want.”
Ava turned around and smiled. “Thank you! You’re the best!”

The food was cooked, the wine was chilled, Heather was out for the evening, and Ava was showered, dressed and ready. Exactly on time, Nick rang the doorbell. “You look great!” he said when he saw her. She thanked him and poured wine for both of them.
“So,” Nick said, taking a sip of the wine, “I talked to the guys in the band. They want to invest in NanoWorld. We’ve only got a thousand, but hopefully that’s enough.”
“It’s a great start,” Ava assured him.  “You’ll make a mint.”

The next morning, Ava’s Venmo account alerted her. Nick had sent her the thousand dollars. It had worked perfectly, just like it had with Ryan and Dave. She’d keep Nick around for a little longer; he’d be good for at least one more deposit before she ghosted him. She would have to do something about Heather, though. She didn’t like it that her roommate was so suspicious. Well, there were always accidents.