Page 102 of Past Due

“Sounds like you need to work on your people skills,” Besian remarked.

“Not all of us make a living manipulating and stealing,” Eric growled.

“Where in Europe?” Detective Kermally asked, shooting Eric a perturbed look.

“All over,” I said, placing my hand on Besian’s leg under the table. “I started in London and ended up in Tirana. I did a lot of hiking.”

“And you came back today?”

“Yes.”

“Because of your stepfather’s injuries?”

The reminder of his gruesome accident added another layer of grief and panic to my already anxious state. “How is he? Can I see him?”

“He’s at Ben Taub,” Eric said, his arms crossed as he leaned back against the wall. “He’s not our prisoner. He belongs to the Feds.”

“You should hire a lawyer familiar with federal prosecution,” Detective Kermally suggested helpfully. “They’re better equipped to guide you through the process. Considering the situation, it’s possible you could work out a visit if you plead compassion.”

“And if they think seeing me will make him cooperate,” I muttered, certain I would now be considered a pressure point for Spider.

“Yes.” Detective Kermally didn’t even bother lying, and I appreciated it. “How familiar are you with your stepfather’s criminal life?”

“Don’t answer that,” Besian commanded, his hand moving to my shoulder. Glaring at the detective, he said, “If you intend to go down that route, we’re leaving. You aren’t asking her any questions about Spider or the MC or any of that shit without her lawyers present.”

Detective Kermally’s mouth settled into a grim line. Ignoring Besian, he addressed me directly, “Marley, do you want to answer my questions?”

“I think my husband was very clear about our boundaries.” Besian’s hand moved from my shoulder to my nape, and he gently swept his thumb along my skin, reminding me that he was right there with me and wouldn’t let me stumble into any trouble.

“Yes, he was.” Detective Kermally sighed and scratched something down on his notepad. “When was the last time you saw your mother?”

“Before I left on my trip,” I answered and gave him the exact date. “We texted and messaged almost every day until she went to Lake Charles.”

“Louisiana?”

“Yes.”

“Why?”

“To gamble,” I said, wondering why else anyone would go there. “She went with a friend. She asked for some money, and I haven’t had any messages from her since then.”

“When was that?”

“Um...maybe ten days ago?” I retrieved my phone from the pocket of my hoodie. “Let me check.” I found the messages and showed them to the detective.

“Is that like her?” He asked as he scrolled through our messages. “To disappear without making contact?”

“Yes and no,” I said, taking my phone back. “A few years ago, she started spending a lot of time online, especially in Facebook groups and Discords. She would meet people—men—and run off to meet them. Vegas, Miami, Phoenix, Dallas,” I listed off the places she had gone.

“But she and Spider are married, correct?”

I let loose a sound that was halfway between a sigh and a laugh. “Yes, but obviously, not in the most conventional way.”

“They aren’t monogamous?”

“No, and I don’t think they ever wore,” I answered honestly. “They haven’t lived in the same house since I was fourteen.”

“When your mom stabbed Spider in the chest on Christmas Eve?” Eric asked.

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