Total pages in book: 114
Estimated words: 108849 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 544(@200wpm)___ 435(@250wpm)___ 363(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 108849 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 544(@200wpm)___ 435(@250wpm)___ 363(@300wpm)
Laurel reached for a notepad near the center of the table and pulled the paper toward her. “I believe the phrase is an American idiom that originated in the late nineteenth century to do with a bet or wager in which the speaker is confident of the outcome.”
“Of course.” One side of Nester’s upper lip quirked.
Laurel warmed to the subject. “The speaker of the phrase is saying they’re willing to bet something of higher value against lesser value. At that time, doughnuts were relatively inexpensive.”
“Unlike now,” Nester groused.
Laurel nodded. “Yes, I have noticed pastry price increases.”
“The price of everything has increased lately, hasn’t it?”
Unfortunately, he made a true statement. “Yes, and I don’t see economic hope in the near future.”
“Here’s the first video.” Nester clicked the button.
The visiting room of the Genesis city jail came into view, with Jason Abbott in an orange jumpsuit, his handcuffs attached to a bar on the table, sitting across from ex-girlfriend Haylee Johnson.
Teacup in hand, Laurel sat back to watch. Even after a couple months in jail, Jason Abbott appeared handsome with symmetrical features, dark hair, deep blue eyes, and a neatly trimmed beard. He looked as if he could be a double for Jamie Dornan, a young actor she’d seen in an older streaming British crime drama the previous week.
Across from Abbott, Haylee had her long blond hair up in an intricate twist and her blue eyes expertly lined and shadowed. For her visit, she wore a black dress with a row of pearls adorning her neck. “That’s an odd outfit to visit somebody in jail,” Laurel said.
“Yeah, she looks hot,” Nester replied.
Laurel glanced at him. “Please expand on that statement.”
He frowned. “Haylee is trying to appear . . . well, something for Jason.”
“A black dress connotes class, as do the pearls,” Laurel mused. “She’s wearing a more adult-type outfit than she wore before he went to jail.” If Laurel remembered correctly, Haylee had always sported jeans and a sweatshirt. “She’s trying to impress him?”
“Yeah,” Nester said. “Maybe she’s trying to show him that she’s more sophisticated, classier, and . . . I don’t know, educated?”
Laurel’s chin dropped. “Jason Abbott murdered highly successful women. Why in the world would Haylee want to look like one of them?”
Nester lifted his shoulder. “I don’t know. I mean, she obviously wants his interest.”
Laurel had spent much of her life studying various sciences, but there wasn’t one that explained human behavior, not completely. She was coming as close as possible. “I don’t understand this.”
“Me neither,” Nester said.
That was something at least. “Let’s play the video,” she said.
He clicked a button.
“How are you, Jason?” Haylee asked, her voice tinny on the recording.
“I’m fine. Lonely. I’ve missed you.” His voice remained deep and soothing.
Laurel’s stomach rolled. Jason had absolutely no interest in Haylee other than using her, and he never had. How could the woman not see that?
Haylee leaned toward him. “I’ve started school.”
Jason perked up. “You have? What are you studying?”
She straightened her shoulders and pushed her breasts out. “I’m going to cosmetology school.”
Nester frowned. “Isn’t she a landscaper?”
“She worked in a greenhouse and had a green thumb,” Laurel said. Haylee’s lack of a formal education had seemed to bother the woman.
“Why does she want to impress him?” Nester asked.
Laurel shook her head. “I can’t explain her motivations here.”
Haylee hopped in her seat. “I thought that would make you happy.”
Abbott smiled, slow and sure. “I love that you want to make me happy, Haylee.”
The young woman clasped her hands together. “I’ve talked to my aunt, and it’s a good field for me to pursue.”
“Well then, I’m proud of you. If I ever get out of here, maybe I can help with your schooling.”
“I would love that,” the girl gushed. Apparently, she’d forgiven him for holding a gun to her head and threatening to kill her if the FBI didn’t leave them alone. “Do you think you’ll get out?”
“I do.” Abbott turned his head to look directly at the camera. “I’m too smart for them to keep me in here. Besides, your aunt is an excellent attorney. How is your lawsuit against the FBI going?”
Haylee shifted in her seat. “My aunt isn’t sure there’s a great case there, because you did have a gun on me when I got hurt. But there’s a chance we can prove that Laurel Snow or that terrible Abigail Caine was at fault. You were drugged at the time, correct?”
“Yes. Abigail had drugged me. I don’t even remember trying to hurt you.” Tears filled his eyes. “I’m so very sorry.”
“What a liar,” Nester muttered.
Laurel nodded. “He’s proficient at it. Those look like real tears.” Abbott certainly knew how to mirror true emotions.
Haylee plucked at her pearls. “Please tell me you’re not still thinking about Abigail. About either of them. What a terrible family they come from.”