Page 15 of Watercolor Skulls

I nod, patiently waiting for him to tell me what he found out.

He sets a glass on the desk in front of me before he takes a seat. He takes a long drink before letting his gaze lock on mine. “They think she jumped again.”

I sigh loudly, checking my watch. I hope that whore gets here soon. “What do you think?”

He leans forward, resting his arms on his knees, his drink dangling between his legs. “Well, they found her purse in that locker Rudy told us about. She may have slipped the cameras. They told me it happens. Not every suicide is noticed.”

“But you don’t think she did it?”

He laughs lightly. “No, I don’t think she did it. I think she ran.”

Running a palm over my freshly shaved face, I think about it. “Rudy said she picked up a bag and that she had it with her when she took off. Did they find a bag?”

“Nope.” He smacks his lips and leans back, staring at the ceiling. “The wedding is only two weeks away, should we postpone?”

Damnit this girl made a mess. I hope Benjamin punishes her good for this little stunt. “Let’s put out a press release saying we have decided to have a private family ceremony with a reception to follow at a later date. If we don’t find her by then we will pretend the ceremony took place even if it doesn’t. It shouldn’t surprise anyone, especially since she just had an accident.”

“So, your confident we will find her?” he asks.

“Oh, I’ll find her. It’s time to call in a few favors.”

He taps his empty glass on his knee. “I didn’t do anything to her.” He runs his hand through his hair. “I mean I’ve always treated her like a lady.”

“Don’t worry, we will get her back before she tarnishes either of our reputations.” I lean forward, staring him straight in the eye. “But make sure once we get her back she learns her lesson and learns it well.”

He nods his understanding.

Chapter Eight

Lily

???

This might have been a mistake. I grip the wheel of my beetle tightly. I’m so nervous I think I might get sick. I couldn’t even eat my lunch. The neon sign taunts me as I park. I know, I know. I want to do this. I do.

It’s just Jesse, so it will be fine. If I chicken out she won’t care. It’s fine. Everything is fine. I check my appearance in the rearview mirror, flipping my hair into a messy bun. I run a finger under my eyes, hoping it erases the dark circles that seem to be a permanent feature lately. No luck. Oh well, here goes nothing.

A little bell dings at my entry. I take a deep breath as I get my bearings. It’s so wonderful. It smells good too. The walls are covered in paintings and there are shelves lining them. They hold all sorts of unique trinkets. Mostly skulls. Skulls are everywhere, some scary, some beautiful. Bluesy southern rock plays quietly in the background.

“I’ll be right there,” a gruff voice calls from somewhere in the back. My eyes dart around the room looking for Jesse. Where is she?

A big guy steps out. Oh, oh my. He fills the entire doorway.

He steps forward, coming to the counter to greet me. “You must be Jesse’s one o’clock?”

“Y... yes, my name is Lily,” I stutter, still thrown off by the enormous size of this man.

He sits down at the counter, pointing to the stool across from him. “I’m Dan. It’s nice to meet you. Please have a seat.”

Reluctantly I sit down, hoping Jesse shows up soon.

“Jesse had a family emergency.”

My eyes go wide.

He laughs. “Let me rephrase. Her daughter fell and scratched her knee.” He rolls his eyes. “She’s one of those crazy helicopter moms if you know what I mean.”

No, I don’t know. I’ve never had a mom who cared. I fell off a bridge and she didn’t even stay at the hospital long enough to ask me how I was feeling. His chair creaks and I realize he is waiting for some sort of response from me.

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