Total pages in book: 86
Estimated words: 81009 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 405(@200wpm)___ 324(@250wpm)___ 270(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 81009 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 405(@200wpm)___ 324(@250wpm)___ 270(@300wpm)
I was about to pull away when I spotted Gladys standing next to an older lady I’d never met before. The distraught look on Gladys’s face had me pulling over and parking. I got out and rushed over to them, hugging Gladys tightly as I said, “I’m so sorry this happened. Are you okay?”
“I’m fine, dear. It’s just so sad to see this place in shambles.” She gave me a tight squeeze as she said, “It sure is good to see you. How have you been?”
“Pretty good.” I released her from our hug as I told her, “It’s been a crazy few weeks, but I have a feeling things are about to settle down.”
“I hope they don’t settle down too much.” She smiled. “A young girl like you needs the crazy to keep you from getting bored.”
“Being a little bored actually sounds really nice right about now.” I looked back over at the disheveled mound of brick and mortar that used to be Crockett’s and said, “The reporter said something about a possible gas leak.”
“I heard that. Find it awful hard to believe.” She shook her head. “I never had any problems with the gas lines, but I guess I got lucky. Could’ve been one of us in that pile of rubbish.”
“Very true.” I turned my attention to the woman next to her. “I don’t believe we’ve met. I’m Marlowe.”
“The name’s Ada. Nice to meet ya.”
Gladys leaned towards her as she whispered, “This is the girl Country was telling you about the other day. She’s the one who’s dating Rafe.”
“Is that right?” A smirk crossed her face as she told me, “That boy sure is a handsome fella. Got himself some good manners too. Um-hmm. Always thought a lot of that young man.”
“Yeah, he is pretty great.” I took another quick glance around as I told them, “I’m actually surprised he isn’t here. Country, too, for that matter.”
“You know how things are at that club of theirs. I’m sure they will be by when they can.” Gladys took one last mournful look at Crockett’s, then said, “I guess we best be getting back to the house. Ada’s got a roast in the crockpot, and I need to get the beans on.”
“Sounds like you two are getting along pretty well.”
“We are indeed. I couldn’t have asked for a better roommate.”
Ada smiled as she added, “I couldn’t agree more.”
“Well, I’m glad to hear it. You guys be careful getting home.”
“We will, and you and Rafe come by for a visit soon. We have a lot of catching up to do.”
“That we do.” I gave her another hug and said, “I’ll see you soon.”
I watched them both walk over and get in Gladys’ car. Once they pulled away, I searched once more for any sign of Rafe or Country. I was looking at the front of the building when I spotted the coroner pushing a gurney with a black body bag. The sight sent a cold chill down my spine. It was at that moment I decided it was time for me to get the hell out of there. Without stopping for another glance, I got in my car and drove back to my apartment.
I was almost home when I remembered the necklace Eric, or make that Joseph Stark, had forced me to wear. He’d threatened to hurt Kate or Rafe if I removed it, but he was no longer around to make good on that threat. Unable to stand it a second longer, I reached up and yanked it from my neck. I wadded it up in my hand, then rolled down my window and tossed it out onto the street. As soon as I got home, I rushed into the kitchen and grabbed the camera he’d planted on my shelf. I dropped it on the ground and stomped it with the heel of my shoe, shattering it into a million little pieces. I then went into the living room and bedroom, doing the same with both of those cameras as well. Even though I knew he wasn’t watching me, I had an uneasy feeling being in my apartment alone, and I was relieved when I heard a knock at my door.
Thinking it might be Rafe, I rushed over and opened it, only to find it was Kate. She was a sobbing, blubbering mess with red swollen eyes and a snotty nose. With her hair a mess and her wrinkled pajamas, she was almost unrecognizable as she lunged at me. Tears were streaming down her face as she wrapped her arms around me, hugging me. She stood there clinging to me for what seemed like hours, sobbing, then finally pulled herself together long enough to say, “He’s gone, Marlie. I lost him. I’ve lost everything. What am I going to do?”
I knew she would be upset about Eric’s death, but I never expected her to be this distraught. The girl could barely hold herself up. I patted her on the back as I whispered, “I’m so sorry, Kate. I know this has to be really hard for you.”