Nick
About to pull in. I’ll keep watch out here.
I give his message a thumbs-up and wave down the bartender.
“Can I get a gin and tonic?” I turn to Nina. “What do you want?”
“I’ll have the same,” she says. “Make mine a double.”
The orange-haired man laughs. “Rough night?”
“You could say that,” Nina admits, and I don’t miss the way her hand shakes at her side.
She’s nervous, and I don’t blame her. I’m surprised by how calm I am considering a murderer is right down the bar from me.
We stand at the bar watching the man closely for several minutes, the woman never returning.
“What do you think that woman’s doing?” Nina asks, taking a sip from her glass. “She’s been back in the bathroom for some time.”
“Unless…” My words trail off as the thought crosses my mind.
I wave down the bartender. “Is there an exit back by the restrooms?” I ask, and he nods.
“Yeah. You can use it. There’s no alarm.”
Nina and I share a look, and I quickly send off a text to Nick.
Me
Female suspect may have left out a side exit.
Long black hair, white T-shirt. Did you see her?
Nick
No. Haven’t seen anyone.
Where did she go?
I’m lost in thought about the whereabouts of the woman, and I almost miss the most crucial moment.
The man spills his drink right onto Ashley, and she yelps as the contents soak through her forest-green dress. She jumps up, swaying a bit, showing signs that the roofie is kicking in.
That’s when I piece together how this all works.
29
Seven of Wands
Nick
My phone pings,signaling I’ve received a text message.
Alyssa
Ashley’s heading your way.
She’s not in good shape.
