Page 32 of Three for a Girl

“There’s no more room to make furniture, thought I’d try something else to pass the time.”

“Puzzles.”

Romeo shrugged. “It’s no fun doing crosswords without you, so this is my solution.”

“A 5000-piece puzzle of the world.”

“One of many.” He gestured to the side of the table, Chad took a look, and snorted at the stack of boxes.

“Mona Lisa. The starry night. Mondrian, composition II.”

“I’m trying to be more cultured.”

“Michelangelo's David…”

Romeo winked. “I’m looking forward to that one.”

“Fireman and their huge hoses.”

“What?”

Romeo leaned over to check the puzzles, and Chad burst out laughing.

“That was cruel, you got me excited for a second.”

“Hey, my hose is the only hose you should be looking at.”

Romeo hummed, “And I much prefer your suit, my corrupted detective, all pink cheeked and desperate, excited by the kill.”

Chad averted his gaze. “I … I saw dinner in the fridge.”

“Red pesto pasta, some fresh bread, and a side salad. It’s been so hot recently, thought you’d like something a bit lighter.”

“Thank you.” Chad sighed. “I’m sorry I’m so late.”

“You don’t need to apologize, Chad.”

Chad picked up a puzzle piece, and twirled it between his fingers.

“Don’t you dare lose that.”

“Might hide it to wind you up.” Chad smiled.

Romeo narrowed his eyes. “You wouldn’t dare. How’s the case going?”

Chad sighed. “Slow, as expected when catching a ghost. I met Ellen’s boyfriend, Kerion. Claims Ellen could do no wrong.”

“And you don’t believe it?”

“No one is a hundred percent good. Nothing is black and white, we’re all in the grey.”

Romeo snorted. “How many sessions have you had with that therapist?”

“Only one, and I’m already quoting her.” Chad tapped the puzzle piece on the table. “Everything about Ellen and Kerion is too perfect.”

“Can’t be that perfect. She’s dead.”

“The photos, their home, how she presents herself, their videos, even her reason for meeting with sweetcheeks42.”

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