Page 42 of A Little Naughty

Bender’s been around Eureka as long as I’ve been alive. He got himself straight a while back, but as far as I know, he’s only been with Gwen the past year. I don’t want to wait that long to be with Jemima.

“I think the time it takes depends on the nature of what you’ve done.” He returns to where I’m standing. “From what I know, the only thing you’ve done is be born with the wrong last name. Am I missing something?”

“No.” I’ve never broken the law. At least not bad enough to get arrested for it.

“So you’re starting at zero, which is a helluva lot better than where I started.” He exhales a chuckle. “I had to prove I wasn’t the same man I was. You have to prove you’re not who they think you are.”

The weight in my chest eases a bit. What he’s saying makes sense, although, “You were always a good man, Ben. You just liked to drink too much.”

“I wasn’t so good.” He gives me a tight smile. “I’m still not, but I’m getting better. Now bring me something I can sell. I want to see you prove them wrong.”

“Okay.” I huff a laugh. “Thanks.”

I leave him in the growing darkness, feeling a little more optimistic about my future and my plans for a certain young lady.

When I reach my bike, parked outside Martha’s house, I look up the road in the direction of theGazetteoffice, in the direction of the small house behind it where she lives.

I crank the bike, but I don’t rev the engine. I get up just enough speed to cover the short, wooded stretch of road separating the neighborhood from the town.

When I reach her little house, it’s still dark. I cut the engine, wondering if she’s on her way back here. Then I realize if she is, she probably has that little girl with her.

Taking out my phone, I open the messages app, rereading the texts she sent me earlier. She wants to talk more about the story, but I don’t have any more information than I did the other night. I do have more of a sense of urgency, though, from what Bender’s saying and from my need to improve my reputation.

Not to mention, I’d really like to spend time with her again. I’d like to kiss her again.

I’m getting ready to send her a text when a noise from the street interrupts my thoughts. Looking up, I see someone headed in my direction fast.

CHAPTER11

JEMIMA

Nikki is curled up on the couch when I get to Monay’s place. My friend holds a finger over her lips and motions me inside. I tiptoe over to find my little friend sound asleep with Angie Dickinson right beside her, snug as a pink toy bug.

My lips tighten, and I look up at Monay. “Should I wake her up or let her spend the night with you?”

“That’s your call, little mamma. You can wake her up, but then she has to walk all the way home.”

It’s true, and she might have a hard time going back to sleep once we get there.

Exhaling heavily, I nod. “I’ll come and get her first thing in the morning. If she wakes up and asks where I am, tell her I came, but I didn’t want to disturb her.”

I don’t want her to think I stayed out partying all night and didn’t give her a second thought. I know how that feels.

“I’ll tell her. Don’t worry.” Monay pats my shoulder, and we go to the door.

She follows me out onto the small landing, closing it quietly behind her. “What’s wrong?”

“What makes you think something’s wrong?”

“Girl, please. I’ve known you since you were fifteen years old eating government cheese for dinner. What happened?”

“Bill’s here. He chased me into a field and threatened to take her.”

“What?” Monay’s eyes widen, and she grabs my hand. “Did he hurt you?”

“Almost.” I pull up my sleeve, and we inspect the mark he left on my arm. “He was going to do worse, but I threatened him with the sheriff. I don’t know how long that will work.”

“Was Cass with you?”

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