Total pages in book: 78
Estimated words: 74575 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 373(@200wpm)___ 298(@250wpm)___ 249(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 74575 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 373(@200wpm)___ 298(@250wpm)___ 249(@300wpm)
“Yes, that’s right.”
“So, you’ve been living there for six years?”
“I have.” I could tell by his tone that he was struggling with the idea, so I added, “I know they didn’t make a very good impression, but I promise, they’re really good guys. They gave me a place to stay and looked out for me.”
“You didn’t have any family or friends who could’ve taken you in?”
“No, I had no one. I honestly don’t know what I would’ve done without them.”
“I see.”
Our conversation trailed off when we pulled up to the pizzeria. But as soon as we were inside and seated, Ben started in with more and more questions—some of which I wasn’t sure how to answer. “So, they just took you in.”
“Pretty much.”
“Hmm.” He seemed perplexed by the thought, so I wasn’t surprised when he asked, “How well do you know them?”
“Well enough, I guess.”
“Okay, then, what’s their story?” He took a sip of his beer, then asked, “What are they into?”
“I’m not sure what you mean.”
“Is it just drugs, or are they running guns, too?”
“What makes you think...”
“Oh, come on, Elsie. Don’t act like you don’t know,” he scoffed. “You live under the same roof. You gotta know they aren’t just riding bikes. These guys are into some pretty heavy shit.”
“You don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“Seriously? You’re gonna tell me you haven’t heard the rumors about them?”
“I have.” I leaned back in my chair as I added, “But rumors are just rumors. Nothing more.”
“But they’re not just rumors.” I didn’t like his condescending tone. And I really didn’t like when he said, “They’re facts.”
“You know, I think it might be best that we end things here.”
“What?” His brows furrowed. “What are you talking about?”
“This date is over.” I stood and placed a twenty on the table, paying for my part of the meal. “I’ll find my own way home.”
“You gotta be kidding me!” When I turned and started for the door, he shouted, “Elsie, wait! I’m sorry!”
His apology came too little too late. He’d crossed a line—a line I didn’t even know existed, and I no longer cared what he had to say. I rushed to the bathroom and locked the door, then messaged Lacy, asking her to come and pick me up.
Fifteen minutes later, I received a text message that read-
I’m here-
Relieved that I could finally put an end to this crazy night, I unlocked the bathroom door and rushed out to the parking lot.
That’s when I realized, that in my frazzled state, I hadn’t paid attention to who the notification was from, and my crazy night was far from over.
CHAPTER 6
Bones
Stitch and Wrath had a long talk with Daniels, and he’d assured them both that there was nothing going on. He made light of the fact that he and his partner had been following some of us around, saying they were just looking out for us. Cotton wanted to believe him. We all did, but something about the whole thing felt off.
Not ready to let it go, Cotton ordered Big and me to monitor the police database—not just for Daniels and Harris, but for any unusual arrests or suspicious activity. It wouldn’t be hard to spot. There was little to no crime in our small town, and if there was, it was usually a simple speeding ticket or a drunk and disorderly at one of the local bars.
I understood the thought process but worried we were setting ourselves up for another wild goose chase. Regardless, we spent the better part of the day going over all arrests that had taken place over the past two months, searching for any red flags but found nothing. I was about to start going through their work emails when there was a tap on the door, and Lacy stepped into the room. “Hey, Bones. You got a minute?”
“Yeah, what’s up?”
“Elsie just called... She asked me to come to pick her up, but my car won’t start.” She grimaced as she asked, “Do you think you could go get her?”
It had been less than an hour since she left with her date, which left me wondering why the hell she was calling Lace for a ride. “Isn’t she with her date?”
“She was, but I guess something happened.”
“What do you mean something happened?”
“I don’t know.” Lacy shrugged. “She just sent me a message asking me to come to pick her up.”
“Go get her,” Big ordered. “I’ve got things covered here.”
“You sure?”
“Yeah, I was about to call it a night anyway.”
“Okay, I’ll check back in with you in the morning.”
“Not gonna be here. We’ve got the run tomorrow. We’ll get back at it on Sunday.”
“Sounds good.”
I grabbed my things, then stood and made my way out the door. As I started down the hall, I asked Lace, “Where is she?”
“Angelo’s on the square. Just text her when you get there.”