Page 36 of Wicked Lies Grow Wildflowers
“You know something.” The threat in my words is obvious.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
I grab a bony hip, digging my fingers into her skin. “You do. Now, you can fucking tell me what you know, what you’ve heard, or I’ll take this fucking cash and walk. Or, even better, I canbleed you dry right here, right now. What will it be?” I wouldn’t actually harm her, but she doesn’t need to know that.
“O-okay! Jesus Christ,fuck.” She starts to get real fidgety in her movements, her eyes darting around behind me.
“Today, Tasha. I won’t ask again.”
Tasha takes a shaky inhale. “I don’t know much, okay? But one of the girls that used to work here was umm… employed by him. He took a liking to her, kept her around regularly, but one day she just stopped coming into work, and well we all just kinda pieced together what happened. Doesn’t take a rocket scientist to know her ending.” She runs a hand through her hair.
“He never frequented here though, did he?”
“No, of course not. Cammie said one of his guys picked her out for him, and it paid well so she went with it. She always went to his place, never said where it was. Sometimes she’d come in kinda beat up, would get real cagey about it. She would never answer much, she couldn’t really. She just said he was scary, really rough with her, and not in a good way. She wouldn’t really describe much else.”
“Any identifying details she shared? Anything that would help me know what he looks like?” I press, needing more.
“Umm… not really. Not that I can recall, other than that he had dark eyes and a charmingly deceptive smile. Oh, she said he was tall and broad too—strong. He’s really strong. I’m sorry, I don’t know any more.”
“Thanks for your help, Tasha. Here’s my number if you can think of anything else.” I give her a slip of paper with my burner number on it, just in case.
“Oh, are you sure you don’t wanna finish?” she asks suggestively, and I stand up, forcing her to climb off me.
“I’m good.” I dismiss her before adding, “This stays between us and only us, got it?” I flick open my small switchblade that I always carry in my pocket for good measure.
“Of course. I know how to keep secrets,” she gulps, looking sheepish now. I toss a few hundreds at her feet and walk out of the room, trying to keep my shit together.Fuck Fuck Fuck.I’m still not any damn closer to a solid lead.
CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE
MAEREN
November is hereand the thought of my mother contacting me for holiday festivities is nauseating. The holidays are hard for me to deal with. Seeing picture-perfect families together in matching PJs, gathering around the table for a meal, and picking out the Christmas tree is all too much. Knowing I’ve never had that hurts. The holidays are supposed to be a time for joy and spending time in the company of your loved ones. And while Idolove Christmas, it’s also another reminder that I don’t have a real blood relation family to speak of. Just my mother. And as tenuous as our sorry excuse for a relationship is on a good day, lately it’s downright awful. She’s acting even more hostile around me now that she has Simon. The next time I see her should be my last.
Sage has always done her best to invite me to functions, to make me feel included, but it’s just not the same. Her family is so welcoming to me that it sometimes makes me uncomfortable. I can’t relate to a healthy family dynamic, so I’m left feeling awkward and out of place. A calm and peaceful environment? Parents who love each other and support you? Yeah, how could I possibly fit within that andnotfeel weird. Maybe someday I’llhave the magical holidays I enjoyed before my father left with my own family.
A missed text from Xander awaits me when I roll over in bed and grab my phone.
Xander: Good morning. Hope you slept well.
Ugh, he’s so sweet. I haven’t seen him in a couple days, but he made sure to stay with me on Halloween night. My mind wanders to those memories and I feel a pulse low in my stomach, my need for him ever growing. I’ve never had a relationship before, but I think I’m ready for one. For us. Ready to make sure we are real and lasting.
Me: I actually did, thanks for checking on me. How are you?
I close my eyes and snuggle back into my warm duvet, awaiting his reply.
Xander: I’d be better if you spent the night in my bed.
I can just hear his provocative tone.
Me: Well, I’ve never even seen your bed. Why’ve we only ever stayed at my place?
I hadn’t questioned it before, but we’ve been seeing each other for over a month now, and I have no idea where he lives. Oh God, what if he’s hiding something from me? What if there’s someone else? Nerves rattle my chest at the thought of being a fool. If he’s been leading me on this whole time I don’t know what I’d do. I’m probably just reading into things. He could justbe super private. Or have a weird roommate. Or maybe he’s got seven cats and doesn’t want me to know. It could be anything simple like that—nothing nefarious. Right?
Xander: Fair point. No reason, really.
Me: You’re not hiding something from me, are you?
Not wanting to come off as needy, I add in the thinking face emoji for comedic effect, trying to lighten the tone.
