Total pages in book: 65
Estimated words: 63579 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 318(@200wpm)___ 254(@250wpm)___ 212(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 63579 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 318(@200wpm)___ 254(@250wpm)___ 212(@300wpm)
“I’m really good. You’ll never believe it, but Pete has finally let me choose a story to write.”
A chuckle rings out. “I’ve been telling him for years to let you run on your own, I’m glad he finally listened. I’m guessing you want my help?”
His comment, though completely friendly, does make me feel a little bad. I haven’t spoken to him at all, and now I’m only calling for a favor.
“I wouldn’t mind, only if you want, of course.”
“I’m always happy to help. What can I do for you?”
“I was wondering if you could get your hands on an autopsy report?”
“I can, yes, but it depends on which report you’re after.”
I take a deep breath. “Daniel and Braithe Gregory.”
Silence. “That’s the story you’re covering?”
“Yes.”
“Not much to cover. It’s all pretty black and white from what I’ve heard.”
“Except it isn’t. I can’t say much, but I do want to have a look at that report if you can get it.”
“As far as I know, there was never an autopsy done.”
“I thought so, too, but Braithe’s mother told me there was.”
More silence.
“You spoke to her?”
“Yes.”
“Did you tell her why you were talking to her?”
Guiltily, I glance down at my hands. “No.”
Exhaling, Nathan gives me a disappointed sound. “Bonnie, I know you love your job, but you need to be careful. That case, it’s a sensitive topic around town. Especially now Western is out of prison.”
“I know that, and I’m being careful. I would just really love to see what’s in that report.”
“Look, I’ll see what I can find out, but I can’t promise anything.”
“Really?” I say, clapping happily. “Thank you so much, I owe you one.”
Ending the call, a rush swarms my chest, and I keep my fingers crossed that Nathan finds something. If he does, it’s only one step closer to finding out the truth. The best option yet, though, is to get Western to talk.
He has all of the answers.
I’m getting closer, day by day, I’m moving in, and he is letting his guard down.
I believe him when he told me he didn’t do it, but that doesn’t give me the answers I’m seeking.
I need to know who did, more importantly, I need to know why.
Western has all of that.
Now, I just have to get him to talk.
To trust me.
To open up and let me in.
It shouldn’t be too hard, right?
8
A woman’s screeching tone has me whipping around to see a beautiful lady storming into the club. We’re nearly closed for the night, and only a few people linger around, one of them being Western. He’s generally the last to leave. Tonight, I finished up an hour earlier and sat down to have a drink with him. Of course, he isn’t saying much, but that doesn’t mean I’m going to throw the towel in, so to speak.
Actually, all that happened is that I ended up drunk and he ended up still not saying a damned word.
Painful.
But at least I’m happy.
Unlike the woman who is seemingly charging toward ... us?
“I swear to god, Nightmare, I’m about done.”
Wait, she’s talking to Western?
I give Luna a look, just as she finishes taking her own shot. She’s nearly off the clock, and it has been a quiet night, so we’re allowed to have a few drinks right on closing. I could have left when my shift was done, but the decision to hang around was far too strong. It has actually been quite fun, sitting here, being served, laughing with Luna as she walks by, attempting to talk to the statue beside me.
Lord, I really am drunk.
“Not now, Hazel.”
Western’s voice comes out in a low growl, and my eyes get big as I swivel on my bar stool to see that the woman has come to a stop in front of Western, her eyes zeroed in on him. This is his wife, Hazel.
She’s beautiful.
Not that I thought she wouldn’t be.
She has long mousy brown hair that is tack straight and perfectly styled. It pairs well with her soft blue eyes, the scatter of freckles on her tiny little nose, and don’t even get me started on her full lips, soft skin, and gorgeous body. She’s everything you wish you were as a woman. Full breasts, a tiny waist, and I’m certain if she turned around, a perfectly round bottom.
I huff.
Damn her perfection.
“Oh,” Hazel laughs, waving her hand in Western’s direction. I can see her bright red fingernails, perfectly polished. “Yes now. I haven’t seen you in three days. Three fucking days. I have called, gone to the club, and every single time you’re not there. Then, I go ahead and hear you brought a woman in. A fucking woman.”
Oh boy.
I give Luna a small look, and she tips her head to the side, brows raised, because I know what she’s thinking. She wants to know if that woman was me, and the answer to that would be, yes, yes it was.