Page 51 of Skeletons in the Closet

“Yes.”

“Think we’ll learn anything?”

I shrugged.

Silence bloomed between us. I felt every inch of separation. The air was rich with the scent of Tallus’s cologne and hair product. His natural essence was easy enough to pick out, too—not that I was trying. I was aware of every tiny move he made as he randomly adjusted himself in the seat, cleaned his glasses, or checked his phone.

“Why PI work?” He seemed unable to sit in silence. It was going to be a long night at this rate. “I know you left the police department. Kitty said it was a bad situation. Don’t worry. She didn’t get into details. But why private investigation?”

“Why not?”

“That’s not an answer. Could you at least try to have a proper conversation? I know it’s hard. I know it goes against every one of your instincts, but please? For me? Otherwise, it will be a long night.”

I picked a nail and shrugged. “PI work called to me.”

“Do you like it?”

“I wouldn’t do it if I didn’t like it.”

“I guess.”

I felt his eyes on me and stared straight ahead, skin alive and tingling as I focused on Beth’s house.

“What’s with the getup?”

“Huh?” I frowned and flashed him a sideways glance. “What getup?”

Tallus flicked the brim of my hat. “It’s old-fashioned.” He nodded at the coat. “Don’t get me wrong. It suits you in an odd way. I don’t see many guys wearing fedoras and trench coats anymore. If it was coming back in style, I’d know.”

I turned back to the house, muttering, “It was my grandfather’s.”

“Oh. Is he alive?”

“No.”

“Would this be your nana’s husband?”

“Yes.” I shifted uncomfortably. “He… Boone worked as an informant for the police department. It was a different job back in his day. A lot like PI work, except… less rule-bound. He did whatever they requested. Couldn’t get away with it today.”

“That’s cool as shit. So like a real-life Dick Tracy?”

I grunted. Boone was sacred to me. I’d loved the man like a father. I’d worshiped the ground he walked on. Talking about him was hard. I missed him so much that it hurt sometimes. Conversations about the past left a stone in my gut and made me think of Nana, how her mind was going, and how she thought I was him more often than not. How shattered she was every time she remembered Boone was dead.

Tallus didn’t speak again for a long time. When he did, he asked, “Is this a typical case?”

“What?”

“Cheating husbands?”

“Yeah.” Cheating spouses were top of the list when cases landed on my desk.

“What other sorts of things do you investigate?”

“Um…” I cleared my throat and squirmed. “I research information. Find stuff online most people can’t find. Track people down.”

“Like bail jumpers?”

“Sometimes. It’s not my main focus. I’ve been asked to verify information for companies, screen new employees, and investigate fraud. I do a lot of surveillance. I don’t know. It varies. I take whatever comes knocking. I can’t be picky.”

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