“French.” A female voice came over the line as clear as day.
Tarek cleared his throat then turned his back to face the window once more. “Maia, it’s Cobra. How are you, beautiful?”
“I’d be a lot better if you’re calling to book a date.”
Tarek chuckled. “How about I make you a deal? If you can help me with this favour, dinner’s on me.”
“Oh Sugar, if it’s on that delectable body…”
I almost threw up.
Tarek laughed. “Not on my body. Focus your freaky little mind for me a second, would you?”
I turned away from him then—a knife in my heart.
“Boo Tarek Jonas—you’re zero fun.” She teased. “How may I be of help, your highness?”
“Jeffery Sargent.” Tarek continued. “Where did they find his car?” He stopped.
“Well, I’m not on that case.” She paused. “But let me…outside Big Timber. As a matter of fact—the car was in a little bit of a ditch at the welcome sign.”
“Interesting…think I could take a look at it?”
“It’s been towed to Billings.” Maia told him. “If you want in, I can make a few phone calls. I might have to escort you in, but it shouldn’t be an issue. You’re a cop.”
“Thanks.”
“Why are you looking into this, Cobra?” Maia asked. “I thought you were on vacation.”
“Long story.” Tarek told her. “I’ll explain it all later. In the meantime, make those calls for me.”
“You got it. And Cobra?”
“Mmm?”
“Watch your six, okay? If you need an extra gun…”
“You’ll be my first call, my beauty.”
When silence filled the room, I looked back at him.
“Get changed,” he said, heading for the door. “We’re going for a ride.”
Cobra
Shields River Roadcarried us to US-89 South. During that stretch, neither of us spoke. I knew it wasn’t a good idea to be in such a tight space alone with her. But I was a professional. This was work and nothing else.
In high school I hadn’t been attracted to her. There was something rotten about her and for the first little while, I couldn’t quite put my finger on it.
Her friend Susan on the other hand—well, how could I not be attracted? I was a teenage boy with what I thought was my type, and Susan was definitely it.
Other than the strange feelings I had around Ellie, there was something else. Ellie had been unnecessarily cruel to others, bitter and mean-spirited.
Susan had more of a brain in her head and always seemed to be sweet to those around her. The fact she was curvy helped to turn my head.
Yet, as I walked into that room and saw Ellie, I couldn’t help but appreciate the look of her as an adult.
I couldn’t show my attraction. There was no way she had changed. Deep down I knew she was still that same mean little girl who terrorised our small town’s high school. She was the same vindictive child who almost cost my family everything.
