The Sloppy Pelican isn’t where I wanted to be this afternoon, but Marlin insisted we meet up to discuss the case before Serena and I are taken in for further interrogation. The place is teeming with people looking to escape the summer heat. The AC is on high, and the scent of fresh fried everything fills my senses. Usually I’m up for eating the entire left side of the menu, but my appetite has dwindled considerably no thanks to last night.
I hate that Axel and Lex barged in like that. I feel terrible for Serena. I texted her for an hour after she was hauled out of there, apologizing profusely for my behavior. I’m sure Lex is putting together a rock solid legal case that will land me in the most violent prison in the country. I have no doubt I’ll pay dearly for what I’ve put her sister through.
“Morning, sweetie,” a female voice calls from behind, and I’m both stunned and afraid to see Serena landing in the seat beside me. Her hair is lively as it springs over her shoulders as if it too were glad to see me. She’s donned a pair of denim shorts so veryshortthat I’m sure they qualify as a swimsuit somewhere in the world. And that white tank top she’s paired it with shows off a bright pink bikini top underneath. It looks as if she just dropped by on her way to the beach. I’d love to join her if I didn’t think it would lead to getting my dick chopped off by her sister—or her brother. I’m pretty sure that’s set to happen regardless.
Marlin takes off his hat and tips it her way. “Hey, hey, the gang’s all here.”
It is quickly becoming apparent that Marlin Maxfield has zero clue that I had his baby sister tied to my bed last night, naked, her face cleverly disguised with feathers. Because if he did, I’m sure that wholehey, heyroutine would have ended in gunfire.
Serena wraps her leg around mine underneath the table, and I shoot her a quick glance. But she’s not looking at me. She’s staring dead ahead at her brother.
“What’s up, big bro? This sounded serious.”
“Yes, it is”—he looks incredulous that she had to point it out—“I’m surprised Axel and Lex didn’t stop by last night and fill you in like they said they would.” Marlin is the exact representation of his sisters in male skin, older, far more unruly with his hair a little longer than it probably should be, his three-day scruff going every which way, but he shares the same green eyes, his hair a touch less crimson. In fact, it looks black as pitch from this vantage point. And on top of all that, he’s only slightly less unhinged than Lex. I don’t think I’d peg Serena with the cerebral slight, but then, I haven’t been introduced to every facet of her yet. I’m hoping that side doesn’t exist.
Serena and I exchange a brief glance. Neither of us says a word.
“Anyway”—Marlin nods to the waitress who brings us each a glass of lemonade—“I talked to my buddy in homicide, and they’re reviewing the footage of you and Barry Larson having a tussle at the door that night.”
Serena shakes her head furiously. “It wasn’t a tussle. We bumped into one another, and a few insults were exchanged.”
I can’t help but grunt and shed a greasy grin. “Sounds like a typical Friday night for you.”
Her foot taps hard over mine like a punishment, and as much as I hate to admit it, I think I like where this is headed.
“Nevertheless”—Marlin lifts a finger—“they said the footage showed something.” He points to his sister. “That’s your cue, darlin’, to fill me in on what comes next. I hate looking stupid in front of my friends in blue. If you’re keeping something from me, now is the time to share it.”
She opens her mouth, then closes it. “Fine. I may have accidentally kissed him.”
“What?” both Marlin and I bark in unison.
“When he bumped into me, my lips smacked into his neck.” She bites down on her lip as she looks from me to Marlin. “Okay, fine.” She pulls out her phone and shows her brother a picture of the infamous numbers scrawled on that tiny piece of paper. “I thought he dropped a receipt or something. I tried to give it to him, but he took off, and I had tables to wait.”
Marlin takes her phone, and by the looks of it, he’s texting himself the picture. “Did you tell the officer who interviewed you that night about this?”
“I didn’t think it was important. I mean, I didn’t even remember it until later. Anyway, Shep thinks it might be a combination to a safe or something. You think whoever killed him was after this?”
“Shep thinks?” That dark caterpillar he calls an eyebrow rises in amusement. “Have you and Shep been discussing the case?” Marlin doesn’t take his suspicious eyes off of me.
“We should tell him, Serena.” The truth is, the homicide detectives probably know more than we do—or at least I hope they do, but in the event anything we gleaned is important, it should be noted by the authorities. Somebody died. The killer is still out there.
“About last night?” She grips her throat and shakes her head as if I threatened to have it removed.
Shit.
Marlin’s eyes flash with fury. I can practically see him mentally grabbing for his gun.
“About what we know. Get him up to speed.” Now it’s me tapping her foot. I lean in and try my best to look her brother in the eye—not an easy feat, especially knowing what I was about to do last night. “I know you’re not working on the case officially, but we’ve learned a few things, and I think we need to get it all out on the table.”
Marlin growls as his phone starts to buzz under his hand. “Boy, I think you’d better get all the details about last night on the table, too, if you know what’s good for you.”
This is the part where I would laugh, protest the insinuation, assure him his worries are for naught, and yet that tie I used as a soft restraint begs to differ.
He glances at his phone and frowns. “Sorry, guys. It looks like I’m needed elsewhere.” He rises and plants his hat down over his head. “We’ll get together again soon. And thanks for letting me know about that paper. I’ll run it by the homicide detective and see if he thinks it’s anything. I’d hate to see this case grow any colder.”
“No strong leads yet, huh?” I ask, giving my glass a shake as the lemons swirl for attention.
“Just you two. Watch yourselves, would you?” He looks to Serena. “Maybe don’t talk to anyone without an attorney present. Preferably that one since he knows all the details.” He shoots me with his fingers. “This is pro bono for you, bud. She’s practically your sister. Remember that.”
