Page 115 of Arran's Obsession

Dixie took both and held them up, tapping and squeezing the latex to settle the contents. “Am I imagining it, or is the one on the right noticeably fuller?”

I angled my head. “You’re right. That’s councillor Slaughter. But we’ve only got two samples. If the other guy is underperforming, anyone would look like they had more against him.”

Dixie took a rushed inhale. “We need more samples. Girls, you know the drill.”

The three hustled out, returning again in what felt like no time with fresh samples, this time from regular guys.

Again, Dixie lined them all up.

We waited for the contents to settle.

There was no denying it. Of all the filled condoms, Councillor Slaughter’s cum volume was noticeably greater than all the others.

My heart sped.

Dixie let the women go with thanks and a promise of secrecy. Then the two of us sat back. On my phone, I searched for a picture of the councillor in question, a more formal version of the man I’d seen through the mirror.

“Am I looking at a killer?” I asked. “It still could have been one of the other two, if they were the friend he was taking along. Either way, it’s possible.”

“I don’t know, hun. What’s your plan now you have the information?”

I didn’t have much, only one small clue, a piece of evidence that wouldn’t stand up in court. Then again, I didn’t live in aworld where the law mattered so much anymore. “What would a real-life detective do?”

Dixie clicked her fingers. “Establish a motive. If he murdered Cherry, it was for a reason.”

She was right. I needed to talk to Arran.

Out in the dressing room, I waved goodbye to the assembled sex workers and exited to the receiving room, Manny with me and Dixie seeing me to the bar.

A collection of men arrived at the same time, exiting the lift together and all in expensive suits like they’d left the same meeting to come straight here. Women flocked to greet them.

From the back of the pack, a woman approached, not staff, I knew in an instant, despite her tight dress of black lace with a wide brown leather belt, her killer rack, and a tumble of brunette curls. She was gorgeous and definitely out of place.

Dixie stepped forward, toe pointed and straight into seduction mode. “Hey, there. Seems I’m not going to win the title for prettiest titties on the floor tonight. Looking for someone like me, baby girl? We could have a lot of fun.”

The woman blinked and passed a nervous hand over her chest. “Um, thanks? Your breasts are lovely, too, but it’s actually her I want.”

She indicated to me.

Manny exhaled through his nose. “This woman isn’t on offer tonight. My apologies, ma’am. Dixie can help you choose?—”

“No! I didn’t mean for…that.” Her gaze roamed my face. “You’re Genevieve, is that right?”

“I am.”

“Oh good. I’d really love to talk to you. My name’s Everly.”

I gave her the once-over in return. Her clothes were well made and her styling impeccable. Nothing about her screamed weirdo. Even so, I was cautious. “Walk with me and Manny. Dixie, catch you later.”

With Everly falling into step, we crossed the receiving room.

“How did you know my name?” I asked.

“People talk. I’m in a position where I hear a lot. I’m actually here to talk to you on behalf of my father, though. He’s the mayor of Deadwater. Perhaps you’ve heard of him?”

I fought to stop my jaw from dropping. Not half an hour ago, I’d been considering him a murder suspect. “I’ve never had the pleasure,” I managed. “What kind of man is he?”

She dropped her voice. “I can’t really say. It’s actually Connor I want to discuss.”

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