Page 14 of Kiss of Deceit
“Family studies?” I repeated in surprise. “Then why are you working with law enforcement?”
She chuckled. “Don’t try to analyze me. I took this job years ago because it was all I could find and paid the bills. Credentials aren’t super important in a town that has next to zero crime like this one. On most afternoons, you’ll be here by yourself.”
“Why?”
“I also work at the clinic. They don’t have a licensed therapist, but I’ll stay today to make sure you’re settled in.”
I still had questions but kept my mouth shut as she showed me my desk and explained my work schedule. Monday through Friday from eight to four sounded too easy. If the crime here was as low as she claimed, this year would be a breeze.
CHAPTER SEVEN
dani
The numberof people working at the police station was minuscule. The guy who showed up to Kole’s house the night before was the sheriff, and he worked with two other people who I hadn’t met yet. The man I’d met in the front did most of the admin work and his name was Tristin. He didn’t talk much, which was absolutely fine with me.
“See you tomorrow,” Natalie dismissed me when the clock hit four. She didn’t look up from her desk, and I glanced at her a second longer than necessary, trying to figure her out. Her demeanor was cold, and I wasn’t sure if she just didn’t like me or if she was like that to everyone. Seeing as I was going to be with her five days a week, I was sure I’d find out.
“Um, about my pay,” I said hesitantly. “I received the debit card yesterday and was curious when I’d get paid.”
She stopped writing, finally turning her attention on me. “You get paid every week on Friday, but there should have been money put on the card to hold you over until the first payday. That’s what they do for all interns. You can check online.”
“Thanks,” I muttered, sitting back at my small desk, and logging back in on my computer.
I bounced my leg impatiently as the website loaded. The internet here was dial up. The fact that this town didn’t have high speed internet or cell phone service made me feel like I was living in the past. Earlier in the day, I’d set up my account online but didn’t check the balance because I didn’t think there’d be any money yet.
Relief flooded through me when the page finally came up, and I saw a couple hundred dollars in my account. After how I’d been living the last few years, I felt rich as I stared at the screen.
“If you want to order things online, better do it soon,” Natalie said from behind me. “Once the snow starts falling, nothing comes into town.”
“Is it true there’s only one road leading out of town?” I asked, shutting down my computer.
“Yes, and it becomes impassable in the winter. The stores and residents know to stock up, so no need to worry about food shortages. As long as you’re good with buying frozen meat, then you’ll be fine.”
My chest constricted before I could stop myself. Even though my cage was larger here, the fact that I wouldn’t be able to leave this town in the winter had panic sweeping through me.
Out of one prison and into another.
I muttered a goodbye to Natalie before hurrying out of the room, taking long controlled breaths. If I saw myself as trapped, this year would drag on forever. I needed to see the positives and make the best of it. I had a job and money. Already better than where I was before I came here.
I passed Tristin on my way out, and he watched me leave but didn’t say a word. Stepping onto the sidewalk, I peered down the street, looking at the coffee shop I’d gone into yesterday. Having no desire to hurry home and deal with Kole’s crankiness, I quickly crossed the street and entered the shop.
The same girl was behind the counter, and this time, I ordered a large coffee and a hot sandwich. I watched her make it, my body feeling lighter than it had in forever. Having money to buy things made it easier to enjoy life, that was for sure. The narrow counter was empty, and after getting my food, I made myself comfortable on one of the wooden stools.
I stared out the window in front of me, my instincts nagging me that something was off. The street was empty, and even though a few people were milling around on the sidewalk, it just seemed barren. Did people not like driving here?
“Hey, newbie.”
Someone plopped on the stool next to me, pulling me from my thoughts. I turned my head, swallowing my bite of sandwich, to see a woman I recognized. Her black hair was pulled into a ponytail, unlike how it was last night at the bar. She gave me a wide smile, resting her elbow on the counter as she stared at me.
“Hi,” I said uncertainly. “You’re the bartender, right?”
“That’s me.” She took a sip of her iced coffee. “I’m Adella.”
“Dani,” I replied.
“You’re the girl who Kole fucked last night.”
My face flushed, my coffee nearly slipping from my grip. “I didn’t have sex with him. Did he tell you that?”
