Page 28 of The Silence of Hell

“Not for me to comment on,” Chatter replied in an attempt to shut him down.

“Some of these so-called experts will low ball an item. I’ve seen it plenty of times. I’m part of a community of specialists who work together and recommend one another. We have several high client testimonies, and these are genuine professionals,” he explained.

“I’ll let Lavender know. She has some coming, but she also knows people, as she’s an expert in her field,” Chatter said.

“Yes, we’re aware of Lavender and her reputation. The group was considering asking her to join us. I’ll talk to her and feel her out,” Tatum agreed.

Chatter locked the door behind him and bellowed for Lavender, making Tatum jump. He waited for her to appear.

“Cretins?” Chatter asked, looking pensive.

“None out on display. Come on, I’ll show you out,” Lavender said with a warm smile at Tatum. “How did you get on?”

“I cleared about half the room, the rest should be done tomorrow. Then the real work starts. I’m staying at the local hotel. What time would you prefer me to arrive in the morning?” Tatum inquired.

“Any time from nine is fine. Thank you for today,” Lavender answered. Tatum approached his rental car and drove off.

“How do you fancy dinner?” Chatter asked, and Lavender smiled at it.

“That would be great. Let me grab a shower and get changed,” she said.

“I’ll be an hour,” Chatter replied and headed for his bike. With his back to her, Lavender didn’t see the huge smile on his face. Chatter was looking forward to this.

Lavender

“The Black Hills are stunning,” I stated as I stared out of the restaurant. Chatter had picked a patio table at a local ribs and steak place, and I’d been spellbound by the scenery around us.

“Yeah, they sure are. I grew up running wild through them. Going camping and shit was our thing. Until life happened,” Chatter said, and sadness crossed his face.

Something inside told me not to push. That Chatter wouldn’t appreciate it. I sensed a deep loss, and then it disappeared as I watched a wall come down.

“Were you friends with any of your brothers from the club as a child?” I asked as silence awkwardly fell between us.

“Shotgun and Levi. We were childhood friends. A couple of others. We grew up with Chance,” Chatter said.

The awkwardness was in the air still, and I felt relieved when the waitress delivered dessert. Somehow, after an evening of easy conversation, I’d managed to wreck things with one question. Who could have foreseen that?

“Lavender, sorry. That was on me. I had a woman, and I loved her with everything I had. Back then, I was a different man. I laughed and joked around. Hallie brought the best out in me. We grew up together, and Hallie did a lot of that stuff with us. Hallie was murdered when the club was fighting to get clean. I don’t talk about it, and sometimes memories creep back,” Chatter explained.

I squirmed in my chair. Shit, I’d misread the situation. Oh God! I thought Chatter had been interested in me, but he was being friendly.

“Hey, don’t worry. I understand completely. Shall we head home? I’m feeling a little antsy,” I suggested lightly and forced a smile.

Chatter looked undecided, as if he wanted to say something more, but he smiled slightly and nodded.

“Sure. It can’t have been easy leaving the manor tonight knowing what’s inside,” Chatter said, signalling for the waitress.

I ground my teeth as the waitress sent him a flirty look, just like she had all night. The embarrassment of misreading this as a date and feeling a little stung by pain, I exploded.

“For God’s sake. If a man is eating a meal with a woman, that doesn’t give you the right to flirt with him in front of her face. Have some dignity. How desperate are you?” I snapped.

Chatter’s eyes shot to mine in surprise as a blush began on the waitress’s cheeks.

“What? I’m so tired of her poor service. I’ll wait outside while she no doubt writes her phone number on the back of the receipt!”

As embarrassed as I was, I slipped silently through the restaurant, ignoring some stares from people who’d been sitting close to us. Outside, I threw my head back and dragged in a deep breath. Shit. Let’s just pile the embarrassment on. I’d dated and had been involved in two relationships in my life. I wasn’t a novice on the dating scene, but I’d certainly read this wrong.

Chatter came out and gave me a searching look. Weakly, I offered him a smile. “Sorry, but I hate poor service.”

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