Page 72 of Ruthless Beast

“Thanks. It’s one of the reasons I left Detroit. Too painful to stick around.”

“I know what you mean. Sometimes I feel like running away myself. Somewhere far, where there are no memories of all this death,” I say softly, more to myself than to Damon.”

“Were the two of you close?”

“Very.”

“You?”

“Yes. David was my best friend. I miss him so much.”

“I hope Mr. Lucchese finds the man who did it. He should pay.”

We drive in silence for the rest of the way to the restaurant. I’m deep in my own thoughts about what the hell I’m doing with someone like Lucas who lives in such a crazy world, and I imagine Damon is battling his own demons.

* * *

“Thank you for a lovely lunch, Sandy.”

“My pleasure, darling. Are you okay?”

“Yeah, why?”

“You look a little pale today. I hope you’re not coming down with the California two step.”

“The what?”

“There’s a cheeky little tummy bug doing its rounds again. I blame the tourists. Heaven knows what they drag into town with them while they’re here.”

“Ugh. I hope not. I have been feeling a little under the weather. I’m sure I’ll bounce back.”

“Of course, you will. You’re young.”

“It’s not as if you’re circling the drain, Sandy,” I laugh.

“Darling, compared to you, I’m ancient.”

“You’re hysterical.”

“Sure. Laugh at my pain,” she chuckles.

“See you soon, Sandy,” I say, kissing her on the cheek.

“See ya, kid.”

It’s 4 p.m. and the traffic is getting hairy.

“I’ll take the backroads,” Damon says. “It will be quicker.”

“Thanks. Oh, can you stop at the drugstore on the way? I need to pick up something.”

“Of course.”

Dominick gets out of the car with me once we’re at the drugstore. He follows me in and checks around while I talk to the pharmacist.

“Hi, can I help you?”

“Yeah. I’m feeling awful. I think it may be the stomach flu. What do you suggest?” I ask the woman behind the counter, wearing the lab coat.

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