Total pages in book: 72
Estimated words: 67665 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 338(@200wpm)___ 271(@250wpm)___ 226(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 67665 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 338(@200wpm)___ 271(@250wpm)___ 226(@300wpm)
“Don’t you think it’s odd that all four victims were clients of yours?” I put it to her bluntly.
“I didn’t think about it.” Ava gulped. “Everyone’s a client. There isn’t another hair salon in town.”
“Have you noticed anything strange at work recently?” I asked.
Ava shook her head.
“Any large purchases like a new floor or any renovations?”
She shook her head again.
“Any regular deliveries?” I tried my last indicator.
“We get restocked with product every two weeks,” Ava said. “Does that help?”
“Does the product come with anything else?” I asked.
She shook her head.
“How is it delivered?”
“Jimmy brings it in, stocks our shelves, and then I sign for it.”
“Okay,” I sighed, handing her a business card. “If you think of anything else, call me.”
“Do you think we had something to do with all those people dying?” She stared at the card in disbelief.
“No,” I assured her. “I’m just covering my bases.”
“I’ll let you know if I see anything,” she promised.
“Thank you.” I stood up to escort her out. “Can I drive you back to your car?”
“That’s not necessary.” She shook her head.
“Please,” I insisted. “Back in Nashville, it was considered reprehensible to allow a female witness to walk around the city alone at night.”
“This isn’t Nashville,” Ava laughed, “but you can drive me to my car.”
We climbed into my truck, an awkward silence falling between us. I was pretty sure that she and Lindsey had been talking about me when we had interrupted their dinner. How much did Ava know about what had happened at the cabin? Did she think I was as much of an ass as I considered myself?
“So,” Ava said as we approached the diner, “what are your intentions with my friend?”
I cleared my throat. “Lindsey’s great. I really like her. But I think we need to keep our relationship professional.”
“Professional?” Ava parroted.
“Friendly,” I reconsidered.
“That’s it?”
This was uncomfortable, and I didn’t respond, letting silence settle on us as I coasted into a parking spot. Lindsey’s car was gone. I didn’t know where Ryan was; I hadn’t seen him on the way over here. Possibly he was still in the diner, getting takeout or something.
Ava climbed out of the truck and waved. Instead of going to her car, she returned to the diner; and I wondered if she would run into Ryan again. It wasn’t any of my business. Ryan had been reluctant to question his former girlfriend, so I had stepped up. If they met after hours, it wasn’t my problem.
I drove home to the cabin I shared with Lindsey. It was pitch-black in the forest by the time I shut my lights off and climbed out of the truck. I wasn’t familiar enough with the terrain to know where to put my feet in the dark. I tripped up on the stairs, falling forward and catching myself with a palm on wooden floorboards. Behind me, I could hear the crickets chirping. Above me, more stars than I was used to seeing decorated the sky. Despite all the drama, I realized that purchasing this home had been the right thing to do.
I opened the door to find Lindsey on the couch, reading a book. I wasn’t sure how to approach her. Should I act like we were friends, when really, we were just getting to know each other? Should I ask her how her day went? What I really wanted to do was grab a fistful of her hair, tilt her head back, and kiss her. But hadn’t I just decided that we couldn’t do that anymore? This professional relationship was going to be harder than I had anticipated.
“Hello,” I said.
She didn’t look up from her book.
“Did you get home okay?” It was my go-to question with female witnesses, though as soon as it was out of my mouth, I realized how ridiculous it sounded.
She narrowed her eyes, setting the book down in her lap.
“Dumb question.” I moved into the kitchen to wash my hands and investigate the refrigerator.
She stood up, taking the book with her, crossed the living room, and went to the hallway. A moment later, I heard a bedroom door closing. I stood, one hand on the refrigerator door, wondering if I should chase after her. She hadn’t even said hello. Something was clearly wrong, but I was worried that she had second thoughts about our lovemaking. I cursed myself for fucking up the living situation before it had even started. Tomorrow, I decided, I would make it up to her. We would have a talk and air out all our dirty laundry. As painful as it would be, we would clear the air, set boundaries, and make a fresh start. But tonight, I was tired and hungry; I was going to eat something and hit the sack.
14
LINDSEY
When I woke up, he was gone. I had the cabin to myself. I took a long shower and spent twenty minutes blow drying my hair. The whole time I was thinking about last night. Why had Jason chosen Ava to question? I could have provided him with the same information. Why hadn’t he asked me to return to the police station with him?