Page 50 of Forever Golden

“I bet. But getting back to your encounter with Vin, is this all that was said?”

I retreat a bit when it sounds like he’s making light of this.

“I mean, he mentioned having people interested in me already. That has to mean something, doesn’t it?”

I hear a pen scratching across a notepad in the background. “Anything else?”

There are amillionthings, but I’m admittedly not sure which details to share because I still have no clue if Roby’s completely on the level. So, just shy of telling him about the phones, the pic, Vin’s connection to Paul, and West overhearing the conversation about the ledger, I hold back.

“That’s all.”

More of that pen scratching across the notepad.

“While I think we’ll both agree it was highly inappropriate for a man his age to approach a girlyourage in this manner, there’s nothing criminal here, Blue. I’m sorry. If I’m being honest with you, I see this sort of thing all the time. Parents from the north side get all up in arms when their kids intermingle with kids from the southside. This is probably that same thing. Especially seeing as how Vin’s notoriously obsessed with his and his family’s image.”

Those words leave his mouth and, instantly, I’m certain this was a mistake.

“But I don’t want you to think I’m being dismissive,” he adds, right when I was thinking it. “You were heard today, okay? And if there’s anything else you need to tell me, or if things get weird, don’t hesitate to call. Understood?”

Deep breath. You tried.

“Understood.”

“All right. Try to enjoy your weekend. I’ll let Dez know you asked about her.”

“Sure. Thanks.”

The call ends and that got me absolutely nowhere. Roby probably thinks I’m a paranoid nutcase now, but I couldn’t show all my cards. Not when I’m still so uncertain who can be trusted. If he’s not as clean as I think he is, anything I say could get back to Vin and we’d be screwed. For now, I have to be content knowing that at the very least, someone else in this town is at least questioning Vin’s involvement where the missing girls are concerned.

It isn’t much, but it’s all I’ve got for now.

Chapter 18

BLUE

“I’m so sorry,” I say to the patron whose lap I just dropped a full basket of bread into. Could’ve been worse. Could’ve been soup or coffee.

The guy isn’t pissed, but I’m embarrassed, nonetheless. All morning, and now the better part of the afternoon, I’ve been distracted by the instant replay of my earlier conversation with Roby. I can’t believe I actually thought that would work. Maybe if I’d been at liberty to share all the details I have, things might’ve been different, but as it stands, that call was completely pointless.

Uncle Dusty gives me‘the look’when I toss what otherwise appears to be perfectly good bread into the trash.

“You all right?”

I nod. “All good. Just feeling a little off.”

“Ready to tell me what happened to that hand yet?” he asks, reminding me of the cuts and gashes.

“Nope.” I force a smile as I take the burger and fries combo he just plated for one of my tables. Then, I rush off before he can question me further.

“Here you go. Enjoy your meal.”

The sweet old lady smiles up at me after delivering her food, then I’m off to grab a fresh pot of coffee to refill empty cups. If I keep busy, maybe I won’t think so much.

The chime over the door sounds and I do a double-take when Roger—one of our Sunday regulars—comes wobbling in on his cane. He’s carrying a large, thin envelope in his hand and his gaze is set on me.

“I believe this is for you, sweetheart,” he pipes up.

Wiping both hands on my apron, I approach him, confused as hell as to what’s going on.

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