Page 11 of Bones

On my way back down, I called out to Big, “I got it.”

“Good. Let’s head over to Johnsonville Corner and see what we can find on the other one.” Big gave Mr. Davenport a pat on the arm as he said, “Good to see ya, Charlie. Hope things pick up at the lot soon.”

“Wait! You’re leaving?” Mr. Davenport gasped. “What about Dale’s place? You still interested in buying?”

“Afraid not.”

“Oh.” Mr. Davenport looked completely baffled as he watched Big and I start towards the truck. We hadn’t gotten far when he shouted, “Why do I get the feeling that you were more interested in that camera than you were in buying the place?”

Big didn’t answer.

Instead, he got in the truck and closed the door. As soon as I’d gotten in next to him, he started the truck, and we were on our way to the old schoolhouse. I wanted to believe that Big had discovered our first big lead, but my gut told me it was just another long shot. Either way, we were going to keep digging until we found out who we were dealing with.

CHAPTER3

Elsie

“You and Hayes looked pretty cozy last night.” Lacy gave me one of her looks as she said, “If I didn’t know better, I’d say he’s got a thing for you.”

“Hayes and I are just friends. Nothing more.”

“Are you sure about that?” Lacy was one of the club’s hang arounds, and even though she was several years older than me, she was my closest friend. She had an easy-going, bubbly personality and loved to stir trouble, so I wasn’t surprised when she pushed, “’Cause it sure looked like you two were having a good time.”

“We were having a good time.”

“So, what’s the problem?”

“There is no problem.” I shrugged. “I’m just not interested in him that way.”

Hayes was a great guy, and I enjoyed spending time with him. I enjoyed spending time with all the guys, but I knew what it would mean if I slept with one of them. One would lead to another and another, and it wouldn’t be long before they’d stop seeing me as their little sister and more as an easy lay.

While that might have its advantages, I didn’t want to be just another hang-around.

Don’t get me wrong. Lacy and the other hang arounds were great. They were sweet, beautiful girls, and I enjoyed working with them. We cleaned together, cooked for the guys together, and even did the brothers’ laundry together, but at the same time, we lived very different lives. I had my sights set on earning my college degree and having a successful career while they had their sights set on claiming one of the brothers—any of the brothers.

I, on the other hand, was only interested in one,and only one.

And it wasn’t Hayes.

Lacy pursed her lips as she said, “Well, you’re missing out, honey, ‘cause that boy can really get the juices flowingif you know what I mean.”

“I’m sure he can.”

“Oh, come on, Lace. Don’t waste your breath.” Makayla glanced over at me as she dumped more dirty dishes into the sink. “You know she’s only got eyes for Bones.”

“That’s not true!” I dropped the sponge into the sink, then whipped around to face the girls as I said, “He is just a friend.”

“A friendyou pine for on a daily basis.”

“I don’t pine for him, Makayla. At least, I don’t anymore. I’ve moved on,” I lied.

“Is that so?”

“Um-hmm.” I turned back to washing dishes as I told her, “In fact, I have a date Friday night.”

“With whom?”

“Ben,” I announced proudly. “He’s a guy from my Spanish class, and he’s so hot. He’s tall with dark hair and the bluest eyes I’ve ever seen. He’s really smart and confident, without being overly confident. You would really like him.”

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