Page 22 of Nightmare

A sting of disappointment radiates through my chest as the night comes to a close and he doesn’t show up.

A strange concern grips me, one that worries something might have happened to him. It’s confusing and a little discouraging, because, after all, I don’t know for certain he isn’t a murderer and I shouldn’t be having any sort of feeling toward him. Even if it is merely one of worry.

Finishing up, I get changed and Mick, the bouncer, waits at the door, walking each of us out to our cars. I wait until all the other ladies are gone before getting walked to my car, which I strategically parked beneath a street light. I come to a stop just as I reach it, when I hear the rumbling of a motorcycle just off into the darkness. Narrowing my eyes, I can see the outline of a large figure sitting on the motorcycle, and I realize right away that figure is Western.

Not entirely sure if I should be concerned or curious, I glance at Mick who is looking in that direction, too.

Getting off his bike, Western approaches the two of us, and I can’t help but take a small step closer to Mick, unsure why he would be waiting outside and why he’s parked right near my car. Leo is right in the sense that Western has been charged for murder, and as far as I know, he could have very likely committed those crimes. Until I know otherwise, I can’t be too careful.

“Nightmare,” Mick says, extending a hand.

Western takes it, shaking it firmly.

He isn’t waiting for me.

A puff of air escapes my lips and my shoulders slump just a little.

Mick turns to me. “You good?”

I nod, staring at Western, whose eyes are on me.

Something about the way he’s looking at me, makes my skin tingle.

It’s an expression I can’t quite make sense of. It’s not anger, or hatred, or even disgust. It’s curious, and so deep and intense, I find it hard to hold his gaze.

“Thanks for walking me out,” I say to Mick. “Remind me to bring you a bottle of your favorite whiskey at the end of the week.”

Mick grins. “You’re too sweet, Bonnie. Go home and get some rest.”

I flash him a smile and lean up, kissing his cheek. “Goodnight, Mick.”

“Night, sweetheart.”

I look to Western. “Night, Western.”

His eyes flash, no doubt because he told me that wasn’t his name.

I give him my biggest, boldest smile.

Then I get in my car and drive away.

I’ll get the best of him, just you wait and see.

~*~*~*~*~

“HAVE YOU GOT ANY INFORMATIONyet?” Pete asks as we walk into his office a few days later.

Giving him my best smile and praying it’ll work because it’s all I have right now, I attempt to explain that I haven’t gotten anything yet, but I’m working on it. Turning slowly, Pete gives me a look that tells me he’s not impressed that I haven’t given him what he’s asking for. One chance, that’s all I’m getting here, and I’m running out of time.

“You have to do better, Bonnie,” he tells me, crossing his arms and tipping his head to the side. “I believe in you, I do, but if you’re not going to be like a dog with a bone when it comes to getting information, then you’re not cut out for this kind of work. You have to work harder to get what you need, don’t be so shy about it.”

Dammit, he’s right.

I have been tiptoeing around, because I’m a bit hesitant when it comes to Western and everything surrounding him. Mostly because I’m not one hundred percent sure what I believe, and because of that, I’m careful about the steps I’m taking to get this story. Maybe I need to throw it all in, because if I lose my job, it’ll break my heart.

“I’m sorry,” I say, carefully. “You’re absolutely right. I will get you something. I promise.”

“You have until the end of the week to present me with something that proves you’re worthy of continuing this. I wasn’t happy with the case to begin with, but I’m giving you the chance to blow it out of the water. It is just what this company needs, the infamous case that everyone talks about, but if you can’t get me something, I’ll have to pull you.”

---