Page 14 of Diamonds & Deception

Love for my sister and needing closure is what keeps me on track.

He opens the door, and loud laughter mixes with classic rock. Aerosmith, I believe. Funny. I expected to hear Irish music. The song ends, and something that sounds Irish plays. Maybe he plays a mix to appeal to a variety of tastes. Smart, actually.

It’s crowded, so I have to walk behind Drake, our hands still linked. We make it to the bar and a handsome man comes over and gives Drake a friendly punch to the shoulder. I know his face.It can’t be.I tense behind him and lower my head, hoping I’m not recognized.

“Glad you could make it, man. What can I get you? Drinks on the house.”

“I’m pretty sure I advised you against giving away your profits.” Drake pulls me close to his hip.

“Since you wouldn’t accept payment for your services, free drinks for you and your lady for at least a week will have to do.” It’s Owen. Carly’s boyfriend, or former boyfriend. Oh shit.Shitshitshitshit.

I’m so not prepared for this. Did my sister ever show him pictures of us? She never posted his picture on social media, but she texted me a few selfies of them together. They’d seemed genuinely in love. The police, from what I’ve researched, never even interviewed him or considered him a suspect.

It’s like he has them in their pocket. And Drake is buddies with him.

“Owen Donahue, this is Nora. She’s a—”

“It’s Lenora,” I interrupt. If he’s heard of me, my cover will be blown, and I’ll never figure out who killed Carly. “Um, nice to meet you. The bar looks great.”

I honestly haven’t even looked around. There’s a big area behind me, but so worried Owen would recognize me, I’ve kept my gaze lowered. Drake made a beeline to the bar, presumably to talk to Owen, and I haven’t registered anything else.

“Thank you. What can I get you to drink?”

“I’ll take a pale ale, please.”

“I’ll take the same,” Drake says to Owen before lowering his mouth to my ear. “Beautiful, smart, and a beer drinker. Why does that turn me on so much?”

I don’t have time to process much else. Owen holds two beers over the bar and Drake takes them, handing me mine. I take a healthy swig before turning my back on Owen, not wanting to give him any more time to study me in case my sister ever showed him my picture.

“Come on.” Drake reaches for my hand again. “I’ll introduce you to Trey. I promise he doesn’t bite.”

As soon as I see the man we’re heading toward, I understand Drake’s warning. The man is as tall as Drake, but more filled out. Muscles stacked upon muscles. His light brown hair is almost long enough to pull back in an elastic to keep it out of his eyes. His arms are covered in tattoos, and my guess is the rest of his body is as well. He’s handsome and rugged and reminds me of Tom Hardy.

He’s not what I expected a dance club owner to look like. Standing next to him is a beautiful, tall blonde woman. I feel short and stubby standing next to her.

“Trey. This is Nora.” I don’t correct him like I did with Owen.

“Sandwich girl?”

I hear Drake sigh next to me. “Nora, this is Trey. He’s a barbarian and an asshole and will bite if provoked. Stay away from him.”

The barbarian tips his chin. “Good advice.” He holds out his hand to me and I reluctantly shake it. His grasp is firm as he assesses me with his sea-green eyes. “This is my big sister, Avery.”

“I can’t believe my brother has friends. I’m so happy for him.” She gives Trey a pat on the shoulder, then hugs me. “You must be Drake?”

“I am, and I’m sorry to say your annoying little brother never mentioned you’d be in town.”

“I moved up here last week, and between settling in the apartment, starting my new job, and finding my way around the city, I haven’t had much time for socializing. Nora, maybe you could show me around sometime?”

Avery is the polar opposite of her brother. “Um. Sure.”

“So, Drake. Trey tells me you own—”

“Excuse me, Avery. Do you mind if I steal your brother for a minute?” Drake leans down and presses a kiss on my cheek. “A table just opened. Why don’t you two have a seat? We’ll be right back.”

I watch them head toward the back. A moment later, Owen goes down the same hallway. I so desperately wish to be a fly on the wall. It’s a clue that links Drake to Carly’s murder. Only I don’t feel good about making the connection. Granted, it doesn’t mean he killed her or had anything to do with her death.

But he’s friends with her boyfriend. The boyfriend was never questioned by the police. There’s definitely a cover-up, and the only way I’m going to get more information is to spend more time with Drake and his friends.

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