Page 47 of The Gentleness of Rage

“Because you discovered my real identity?”

“No. Jaelynn, there was another murder. A former member of staff from the bar. Her name was Skylar Dean,” Ben answered gently.

“Okay.” I was confused.

That was tragic, but how did it affect me?

“Jaelynn, Skylar was killed and dumped at the cabin,” Slate said.

I stiffened. “When?”

“The same day we were there,” Slate replied.

“I told you I’d seen something,” I cried, thinking back to the flash of red.

“Ramirez needs to take your statement. The Chief, Howser, has agreed to record your name as Witness A unless we have to go to court. Then it might get a bit sticky,” Slate soothed.

“No point summoning me, I didn’t see anything,” I denied.

“But you’re a witness for Slate,” Ben pointed out.

I gazed at Slate. “Do they think you did this?”

“No. But evidence is leading that way. Someone is trying to set me up. Luckily, I have been keeping a record of everywhere I’ve been, thanks to their advice. I can’t be charged, but they still need to take a statement from you,” Slate explained.

“Slate didn’t do this, so ask your questions,” I ordered, turning to the two detectives.

Ramirez settled into a chair and took a notebook and pen out. “Describe your day from the moment you woke,” he said.

I started speaking as Ramirez and Ben made notes.

Slate

“Move in with me. Just while this is happening,” Slate announced once Ramirez and Ben left.

“I can’t do that. Slate, I’m getting used to being here and learning to stand on my own two feet. I don’t want to give up the small amount of independence I’ve gained,” Jaelynn replied.

Slate bit his tongue so he didn’t bark an order. That would make Jaelynn dig her heels in.

“How about I move in with you?”

Jaelynn’s eyes went wide. “Huh?”

“And we get you a dog, do you like dogs?” he questioned.

“Yeah. I love them. I had two, Molly and Roscoe. They’re with Aunt Elsie and Dorothy now.”

“I’ll contact Calamity, he’ll know if they’ve got any suitable for you. But I’m not happy with you being alone. We aren’t sure if this serial killer is stalking me, you, or Rage,” Slate argued.

He needed Jaelyn to understand how serious this was.

“Move in with me until he’s caught. I’m settled here, and you said that your friend needed a house sitter. I refuse to let him down. Come and stay with me.” Jaelynn looked down and bit her lip.

“Jaelynn?” Slate asked, sensing there was more.

“I’m not ready to move forward… sexually… I don’t want you to think I’m… leading you on,” Jaelynn mumbled.

“Babe, I told you, and I meant it. When you’re ready, okay?” Slate said, pulling her close.

---