“Not that I’m aware of.”
As I shake her outstretched hand, she introduces herself. “I’m Barb. Sorry they disrespected you, but you should know the rules.”
Shrugging, I let go. “Nice to meet-cha. I’m Landy. I needed the dough. I thought I could figure out how a guy died and get rich. It was worth a try.”
Pursing her bright red lips, she narrows her gaze. “If I tell you something, would you cut me in?”
My share is getting smaller and smaller, but I nod. “I’ll give you an even grand. Deal?”
“As long as you don’t tell Grizz.” Finger to her mouth, she opens the door, glances out, then slips the hook into the metal circle.
While she’s not looking, I quickly slip my hand in my purse, press the recording app, then go back to fluffing my helmet hair.
Lighting a cigarette, she rests her butt against the shelf, and puffs out a smoke ring. “I’ll never forget that night. This leggy blond, all high heels and attitude walks up to our barkeep and orders a fucking Chablis. My old man’s pecker swells, he sidles up beside her, and slips his hand up her skirt. You should’ve seen his face when he groped balls instead of pussy.” The woman’s cackle ends in a fit of smoker’s coughs.
“No way.” My mouth drops open. No wonder the cops’ trail went cold. They were looking for a he, but he was a she. “Grizz must’ve been furious.”
“You bet he was. He punched her out and left her for dead in the parking lot.”
“Your old man killed her?”I can’t believe I found a witness to the murder.
She shakes her frizzly, dried locks. “I thought so too, but later, a real fancy car drove up. With the driver’s help the transvestite crawled into the Mercedes and they left.”
“Who was at the wheel, a man or a woman?” Thinking of Lou and Maureen, I hold my breath and hope to narrow down the possible suspects.
Laughing, she slaps me on the back. “These days, who the hell can be sure? Good luck, honey. Don’t forget my money.”
After she leaves, I wait for a while and join Kade at the bar, sharing war stories with a few vets. Pretending to listen, I drink beer and ponder my case. Did Ray call his wife for help or was it someone else.
Around two in the morning, my ex yawns and puts his arm around me. “Time to go, babe.”
Outside, he heels the kickstand. “Grizz gave me the key to one of his places. I’ll drive you back in the morning.”
“Sure, Thanks again, Kade, I owe you big time.”I sure hope he isn’t thinking sex because that is not happening.
Less than a block away from the bar, we enter a surprisingly clean trailer, He goes right to sleep but I’m too jacked up. I read my messages for the first time since leaving my house and gasp. The text says,Come now and come alone or he dies.
I open the inserted jpg. Dash, beat up, hands tied, stands in front of a TV showing today’s date.
Oh my God. The text was sent hours ago. Adrenaline kills my alcohol buzz, but not as much as I’d like. If I’d have known trouble was coming, I wouldn’t’ve indulged in the last beer. A little woozy, I walk to the bed and consider waking Kade.
On impulse, I steal his keys, sneak out of the house, and roll his bike down the road.
Hang on Dash, I’m on my way.
~Chapter 27~
Dash
I stare at my phone, waiting for her text. She should’ve bloody well let me pay. For fuck’s sake, it was only twenty bucks, including tip. She is the most obstinate woman on the planet, and I would be good to be done with her.
Tossing and turning all night, I finally give up and make coffee. I’m searching the web for new bounties, preferably on the other side of the globe, when my phone rings.
I recognize the number. It’s her ex. What the fuck doeshewant?
“Is Landy there?” The panic in his voice sets my heart racing.
“No. Why?”
