Page 14 of Lord of Vengeance

The look I gave Ashley could have burned a hole in the floor. “Thank you very much for putting it so crudely and Phoenix was only a landing spot.” One that I’d been happy to leave so suddenly. Fuck the man I’d thought I’d cared about and the girl I’d shared far too many secrets with. How many times over the years had I prayed to be able to escape my life, starting at a young age? When I’d lost everything before I’d even turned eighteen, I’d been certain I’d end up dead, not becoming a trusted member of law enforcement.

If it hadn’t been for a valued teacher, I was certain I would have succumbed to the ugliness of the streets. Well, a teacher and a memory of a boy from years before. It was unfortunate this case had brought back so many ugly memories, including the few I had of my drug addict brother.

“What are friends for?” I said in passing, trying to act nonchalant while the ache that had formed inside days before continued to drive a sharp point into my heart. There were few decent memories of my past that I wanted to hang onto.

The other three laughed, but Kathleen, who’d heard a short version while leaving out my brother, opened her eyes wide. “A best friend, huh?”

“Yep. Afraid so. We were more like sisters, or so I thought. I even shared holidays with her family. So much for any reunions.” I tossed back my shot of tequila, immediately reaching for my bottle of Molson. I was teased relentlessly about my choice of beer when almost every man drank Budweiser as if it was going out of style.

“Ouch. I’m sorry, girl. What a bitch but you’re better off without this cheating asshole and you know he’ll do it to her eventually. Karma is a bitch.” Kathleen shook her head.

“I hope so. I dreamt about warts and other disfigurements but…” I teased, chuckling with the others. It felt good to almost laugh, even though I’d spent the entire day going over the limited evidence and the photographs I’d taken. I sensed Kathleen was studying my sudden souring demeanor. She leaned over, keeping her voice down.

“Just so you know, I have some info about the body.”

“We’re not talking shop tonight, ladies,” Ashley growled. “I’ve worked ten twelve-hour days straight and I refuse to spend tonight talking about gruesome murders or horrible surgeries or asshole bar customers. You hear me?”

“Then put your phone away, snookums,” Jenika barked back.

“Fine.”

“I say we ogle good-looking men all night long.” I found it funny Kathleen was the one making the suggestion. She was usually not into thinking about guys either. She’d had her share of dealing with her own personal asshole. That much I had heard in her offhanded way of telling stories.

“Fair enough,” I said. “Although look around you, girls. There isn’t a gorgeous stud muffin to ogle over inside this coveted location.” After scanning the bar, I looked away. There were times I was lonely, longing for the touch of a man. It wasn’t as if I hadn’t had my share of offers, but I’d always found the perfect excuse not to engage in anything carnal.

It was something I was starting to regret but at least my heart would remain protected.

“When was the last time you got laid?” While it was Jenika’s turn to ask the question, it came up from time to time during our outings.

“A long time and I think that applies to all of us,” Kathleen mused.

Jenika snorted. “Speak for yourselves. I had a very festive date two weeks ago.”

“You bitch, you,” I teased.

“What would you do if the sexiest man alive walked into the joint?” Ashley asked, her eyes lighting up.

“You’re asking me?” I pointed to my chest.

“You know what she would do,” Jenika offered. “Give him a hard ass time.”

“Finding a way to threaten him with arrest,” Kathleen finished.

“Hey. That’s not fair. I don’t do that,” I insisted, although they were right.

“Yes, you do,” they all said in unison.

I scowled, narrowing my eyes. “Fine. How can I prove to you that I am hot after men?”

Jenika was the one to choke, laughing so hard I was certain she’d fall off her chair. “You’re serious.”

“I am. I’ll even make a bet if that’s what you want me to do.” My statement was met with serious shock on all their faces.

As soon as I made the suggestion, I knew I was an idiot given the look crossing Ashley’s face. She was up to no good.

“O-kay,” she purred. “You can prove your commitment to that statement by asking the next man who walks through that door to play a game of pool. If you win, that’s all you need to do. If he wins, then you ask him out on a date.”

I knew I was bug-eyed as I stared at my doctor friend. She’d totally lost her marbles. “You know I don’t have time to date, especially right now. I have a murder to solve.”

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