Total pages in book: 100
Estimated words: 96641 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 483(@200wpm)___ 387(@250wpm)___ 322(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 96641 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 483(@200wpm)___ 387(@250wpm)___ 322(@300wpm)
The headline read: Prosecuting Attorney Gets Special Treatment in Murder Case. The byline, of course, was by Jolene O’Sullivan.
I didn’t think she truly understood the enemies she made with that statement. Nonna Albertini had already ordered a special wooden spoon with Jolene’s name on it. Besides, Nick qualified for the judicial review, and Judge Williams was as honest as they came. So when the reporters started calling me, I ignored them. I had nothing to say.
Aiden dressed quickly, as did I, and we headed out to his living room. It was just the two of us this morning since everybody had scattered to their own places to either sleep or regroup before searching some more.
“I had the witness in the missile case brought up today instead of tomorrow,” Aiden said. “I figured since we had the guy in custody, we should just get a move on it now, especially since Nick was just arrested for the murder. The sooner I figure out what’s happening, the better.”
“You know there’s a chance the two cases aren’t related,” I said, having stared at my murder board on the laundry room wall for over fifteen minutes. I still needed to buy pencils to start labeling everything.
He finished his mug of coffee. “I think it’s entirely possible the two aren’t related, but I don’t like the timing. How about you stick with me today?”
Ah. The over-protective gene was back. “I’d rather search for Violet. I’m armed and I’ll make sure I’m safe.”
He sighed. “I think you’re safe for now. Even if the main Cupid knows where we live, nobody is out there now, and I’ll make sure we’re not followed.” He glanced at his watch. “You can drop me at my office. Keep your gun with you, and don’t hesitate if you need to use it. Got it?”
I glanced at the clock. “When is your guy getting to town?”
“He should be there later this afternoon. I need to prepare for the interview and go through all of his work history, do a deep dive on his internet usage, and investigate his classified searches in each database. Unless you want me with you today.”
If I had any clue where to look for Violet, I would ask for his help. “No, that’s okay. Really. I’m just spinning wildly. I thought I’d return to her old apartment again, and then...” I just didn’t know what to do, but I couldn’t stop looking. Sitting home and waiting wouldn’t work.
We left the door unlocked and the security alarm off in case she returned, along with a big note for her to call us. We’d also left her phone next to the note. Hopefully, if she saw it, she would call, but at this point, I was starting to wonder if we’d find her at all. She was a smart girl. If she really wanted to disappear, she could, but her resources were limited. Way too limited.
“All right.” Aiden gathered me in for a hug once we shut the door, warming me from head to toe. “We’re going to find her. She’s smart enough to stay safe until we do. Okay?” He kissed the top of my head.
“Okay.”
I also needed to track down Oliver and make sure he wasn’t going absolutely insane. I was afraid he hadn’t slept since the morning before when we woke him up. I knew he’d been to every teenage hangout in town and then started his own phone tree that led to more and more kids. Hopefully, somebody had at least seen her.
We headed out to Aiden’s snow-covered truck, and he scraped it off while I sat inside, trying to get the heater to hurry up. How was Violet staying warm right now? The fear felt like it wanted to choke me. Aiden stretched inside the rapidly warming truck, backed out of the drive, and drove through town to his office building on the lake. When he parked and stepped out, I scooted over to the driver’s seat, inching it far closer to the steering wheel. “Thanks for letting me take your truck again.”
“Not a problem.” He leaned in and kissed me, his lips firm and warm. He leaned back to study me, his body solid against the wind and his eyes so blue it almost hurt to look at them. “We weren’t followed, and you’re in my truck, so I think you’ll be fine. Do not get out of the truck, and call me to check in every hour.”
I patted my overlarge purse. “I’m packing, and I’ll watch my six.”
He glanced at my purse, and his jaw tensed. “Every hour. I’ll text you if I get anything from this guy that’ll help Nick. At the very least, I’ll be able to get a feeling about him during the interview.”
“All right,” I said. “Thanks.”
I drove out to a somewhat rough area of town and looked at the dilapidated building where I’d found Violet in what seemed like years ago. Then I waited to make sure I wasn’t followed. After about fifteen minutes, I figured that was good enough. I hadn’t promised Aiden I’d stay in his truck, and I was feeling pretty safe.