Page 59 of Bleed for Me

Paige:

Anyway, he’s insisting on driving me to work. I snuck off to text you just in case anything, I dunno, weird happens.

Paige:

I gotta go though, he’s expecting me back.

Paige:

Oh and before I forget, I got the info for his car. Cause I’m awesome *sunglasses emoji* *winking emoji*

Paige:

Silver Chrysler 300, license plate CFP573

My tires screech as I pull up to Paige’s apartment. I see her car in the parking lot and the darkness pulls me further down. Jumping out, I run into the building and pick the lock on her door, quickly disabling the alarm system once inside. I knew that she wouldn’t be here but I need to try and find out any information on where they could have gone.

Frantically, I tear apart her place but don’t find anything useful. Running my fingers through my hair, I pace the small space, trying to think of what to do. After a few deep breaths to get myself under control, I pull out my phone and go through the texts again.

I should have known.

The minute Paige said Kristoph had mentioned another man, I should have thought of Seth. The fact that I didn’t put the two together until I saw the text with Kristoph’s car information is eating me up. After I discovered Kristoph knew her, I gathered all the information I could about the corrupt detective. My plan had been to take care of him and Seth but my attention had been pulled elsewhere.

It will be my fault if anything happens to her. I can’t let anything happen to her.

Pinching the bridge of my nose, I try to come up with a plan.

She said he wanted to give her a ride to work. Maybe this is all just a misunderstanding. Unlikely, but still possible.

I run out of the apartment building to my car and speed off to the coffee shop. On the drive over, another idea hits me, giving me a sense of calm.

I have someone I can ask.

A deadly smile forms on my face.

Oh yes, someone who is overdue a visit anyway.

The shop is relatively empty when I walk up. I slip inside and look around, hoping to catch a glimpse of raven hair. Instead of finding my woman, I come face-to-face with an angry middle aged one. The same woman who had promised danger with her eyes when she had watched me walk out with Paige several months ago.

I rack my brain for a name, knowing Paige has mentioned her before.

I think it starts with a t. Or a d? Diane? No. Tami? No, that’s not it. Although that sounds close…

I resist the urge to pump my fist in the air as it hits me.

“Hi, Brandi, right?” I offer her a smile and try to appear calm. She maintains her fuming gaze but gives me a small nod. “Great.” I rush on, fighting back the desperation trying to overpower me. “Listen, have you heard from Paige? She was supposed to text me when she got here but I haven’t heard from her.” It’s close enough to the truth to convey my concern without raising her suspicions. The last thing we need is more corrupt members of our boys in blue to show up and muddle my search.

Brandi’s shoulders release some of their tension as the worry lines in her forehead deepen. “No, she didn’t show up for her shift. I assumed she was with-” She gestures to me, not hiding the look of disdain.

I shake my head, letting my smile drop and a little of my own worry to come through. “She’s not with me.” I admit, guilt and anger eating away at me. “Hey, here’s my number.” I pull out one of my Mickstruction business cards and jot down my cell number on the back before setting it on the counter in front of her. “Call me if she shows up or you hear from her, okay?”

Brandi stares at the card like she’s afraid it will bite if she gets too close. Cautiously, she reaches out and picks it up, inspecting the number closely before flipping it over. Her eyes widen as she reads who I am. Judging from the look on her face, she recognizes the name. Not that I’m surprised. When she looks at me again it’s like she’s seeing a completely different person than a moment ago. Trying to keep down my impatience and desire to shake an answer out of her so I can leave, I wait for Brandi to reply.

Seeming to realize she hasn’t acknowledged what I said, Brandi glances at the clock and back at me. Speaking in a hushed tone to keep the few customers in the lobby with us from hearing, she asks, “Is Paige okay? Do I need to be worried about her?”

I shake my head, fighting against my own fear. “I’m sure she’s fine, probably just lost track of time.” I lie.

Brandi looks like she wants to argue but decides against it. “Okay, I’ll let you know if I hear anything.” She agrees, tucking the card into her apron.

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