Page 37 of Shock

“Just driving through on my way to Daytona.” Bike week is coming up, and with my outfit, it fits.

“What do you recommend?” I’m staring, and everything looks good.

“How about I surprise you? Any allergies?” I shake my head, and he walks away to place my order in the kitchen.

I pull out my phone and open the Reno news app I have installed. A big red banner scrolls across the top of my screen.

SPECIAL REPORT

Authorities in Nevada are asking for the public’s help to solve six recent murders. They're desperately trying to find the person responsible for killing these young women.

Officials in Washoe County have released little information on the victims, as some families are yet to be informed.

The more I read, the more my heart sinks. They listed similarities between the victims further down the story and the number to a tip line with a one hundred thousand dollar reward if it leads to an arrest.

All the women were between ages twenty and thirty, under five and a half feet, blonde, and worked late or overnight hours. All the bodies were dumped in the same area like a calling card.

I flip to the comment section as my food is placed on the bar top for me. The smell of seafood in a rich sauce fills my nostrils, and my mouth waters.

“Shrimp and grits will set your soul right. Your aura has changed. Whatever you are reading, stop.” The bartender taps the bar before walking off to the next customer.

I devour the bowl full of creamy goodness topped with a rich, savory sauce. I put my phone away after the disgusting comments under the report. Most upsetting is what the people in Reno are dubbing the criminal.

Beauty Queen Killer.

CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO

SHOCK

I stretchoutside in a very comfortable lounge chair. The NOLA chapter may be in a swamp-humid area, but man, the nights here are unreal.

Jazz music fills the air along with crickets and laughter and the occasional drunk outburst, which I find funny as hell. They have a little courtyard and pool nestled between the brewery, main clubhouse, and B&B that is only accessible by an alley that’s blocked with a key card gate.

Prospects stand guard, and the only people allowed to use the area are club members or visitors of the Bed and Breakfast that the club has decided to call Sleep Easy.

I snort as I think of the not-so-subtle name, but it fits with the theme.

It’s fully remodeled but not open until Mardi Gras, so we have the space all to ourselves. I take my sunglasses off and lay them next to my drink, which is sweating more than I am. A nice change from feeling like I’m melting due to the heat and the fucking fire sauce at the restaurant Cowboy took me to.

I love my food hot, but that was supernova level. I thought I’d need an ambulance at one point. But as Cowboy pointed out, I didn’t quit and finished off my plate.

Twice.

“This microbrew is fantastic.” I raise my bottle to Seer, who nods.

“Mayhem is fond of that one. I think he needed a fruity brew so we’d stop teasing him about his Bellini addiction.” Everyone laughs at the man grilling, who just flips us off.

I take a sip of the beer and taste the white peach I know the man loves.

“There’s nothing wrong with a man liking fruit drinks!” Mayhem growls as Nova walks past him and smacks his ass.

“You tell them, Big Daddy.” The brothers are tumbling a moment later, the meat on the grill forgotten.

Laughter and chants fill the little outdoor area we’re in. Sighing, I abandon my lounge chair and take pity on the dinner everyone is waiting for. I grab the spatula and flip the burgers and hotdogs, then look at the rest with unease.

“Um, guys. This girl knows nothing about gator.” I point at the meat offensively.

“Nothing to it, Little Lady. Just gotta keep it…moist.” Cowboy moves behind me and pours a bottle of beer all over the gator from above my shoulder.

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