Page 112 of Shadow and Skulls

JD steps out of the trees, walking up behind me.

“Old habits?” he asks.

“Something like that.” I light up a cigarette, holding the pack out to him, offering him one. He accepts, pulling his lighter from his pocket. “Did the club send you here to give me a warning about my stalking?”

He laughs, tipping his head back to look at the darkening sky. “Naw. I don’t think anyone expected you to stop.”

“Then why are you here?”

“Well, I’m here to collect on that debt you owe me.”

“I don’t owe you shit.”

He pokes me in the chest. “Yes, you fucking do. I’ll never get that image of walking in on Kelsie out of my mind, you asshole.”

“Well, I can knock it the fuck out if you want.”

He shakes his head, ignoring my threat. “You owe me, and you know it. I saved your fucking life, so you’re going to help me.” He pauses, looking up at the night sky. “Your ex. I need to know where she is.”

My brows rise in surprise. Not what I was expecting. “What do you mean?”

“Where is she? That’s a pretty straightforward question.” His gaze narrows on me.

I blow smoke above my head. “She’s in the same home that Kelsie’s mom was in. Don’t act like I’m trying to hide something. I’ve been an open book when it comes to her. There’s nothing between us, and there hasn’t been for years. The club doesn’t have anything to worry about. I love Kelsie.”

“I know that.”

“Then why the questions?”

“She’s missing.”

My phone vibrates, and I look at it briefly as I process what he’s said. “How do you know she’s missing?” I ask, pulling up my messages.

“Kelsie visited her when we were there seeing her mom.”

“Of course she did.” I don’t know why that surprises me. Kelsie has a heart of gold. I open Anthony’s message.

Anthony: Dr. Williams turned up dead in his cell this morning. They’re saying he had a heart attack in his sleep.

Me: Is that so?

Anthony: He had a visitor yesterday. A female.

Interesting.

Me: Glad the bastard is gone.

Me: How’s Danielle handling the news?

Anthony: I haven’t told her yet.

I rub my temple, my gaze resting on JD. “I don’t know where she is, but I’ve got a pretty good idea of where she’s been. Text me your email, and I’ll have my friend send you what he can.”

His shoulders fall in relief. “Great. I’ve just been worried, you know? Like she just walked out in the middle of the night. No one from the home noticed until the next morning.”

We stand quietly for a few minutes, finishing our smokes. I don’t ask him what’s up with his interest in my ex. I don’t care. I’m not surprised she is suddenly responsive. I figured Lizzie would eventually find her damn balls and walk out of there.

I toss my cigarette to the ground and stomp on it. “Well, I guess I better head home.” I yawn into the crook of my arm.

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