“So true, man,” he said. “Do you know how much property Beddingham owns now? He’s snatching up houses like he’s playing fucking Monopoly.”
“I’m not surprised,” I said.
He shook his head, wiping the bar down with a white cloth while he talked. I took a sip of my whiskey, the warmth hitting my throat with its predictably pleasurable pain.
“Everyone’s losing their shit right now, though,” he said.
“Oh, yeah, why’s that?”
“You didn’t hear?” he asked, his voice lowering a little. He looked over at a group of folks at a table on the other side of the bar before continuing at a whisper. “The murders?”
“Oh, Sera said something, but I didn’t really get what was going on…”
I shrugged, sipping, giving him all the room he needed to talk.
“It’s been fucked up, man. I knew those girls! To think, they just fucking aren’t gonna be running around anymore. And their parents have to go on without them.” He shook his head again, his mouth twisting in disgust. “I can’t believe some sick fuck is just out there getting away with this shit.”
“The cops don’t know who did it?”
“Honestly, dude, I think the cops might be in on it. Do you remember Alan Bradley?”
“Yeah, I remember that asshole,” I said. Alan Bradley was the quarterback of our high school football team and his dad was the sheriff. Alan thought he could do whatever the hell he wanted and get away with it. He thought that because it was true, unfortunately. He was rude and arrogant and most people couldn’t stand him.
“Well, his old man died and now he’s the sheriff.”
“Oh, fuck,” I said.
“Exactly. So, he doesn’t seem to be too interested in solving the cases. He and his buddies spend more time drinking in here than doing their jobs.”
“Wow,” I said.
“Everyone’s freaking out because they’re wondering who’s next. In fact, some of these dicks have a fucking bet going.”
“What kind of bet?”
“They’re betting who’s going to be next. Because both girls were just out of high school, they put together a list of other girls who are about to graduate and they placed bets on who’s next.”
“That’s so fucking sick,” I said, reeling.
“It really is,” he said. “Here, look…”
He turned around and reached behind the cash register, pulling out a small white binder. He opened it up and showed me a page inside with a list of names.
“This is it.”
“The list?” I asked, incredulously.
“Yeah, the fuckers make me keep it back here.”
“Who made this list?” I asked.
“Bradley. His buddies on the force. Hell, even Beddingham placed a bet. A few other assholes. Everyone thinks it’s funny.”
I looked down the list and my stomach churned when I saw Rose’s daughter’s name at the number one slot.
“Why the fucking is Maggie on here?”
“Dude, it’s a free-for-all. Any girl her age is fair game. She’s at the top because her birthday is coming up. Both girls were killed on their birthdays.”
“This is fucking morbid and sick.”
“Blade, you know Savannah. Pretty and proper during the day, and dark and twisted when the sun sets.”
I thought of the sunset I’d seen tonight. The beams of light shining through Rose’s dress as she watched me from her porch as I drove by. I regretted not stopping with a renewed strength now. There wasn’t anything dark and twisted about that view.
“Fuckers,” I said.
“I’m with you, man. But some things never change, and it seems like all this death is just entertainment to these assholes. Or, a quick way to make a buck with this bet. They value that even more.”
I nodded, understanding well — too well, unfortunately.
Chapter 22
CHERRY
The darkness had been so lonely, I was so glad to have an old friend with me. Doc’s laughter kept me company and comforted me. Time stood as still as my body, and while we waited, we remembered.
“Ah, Cherry, you were so beautiful back then. Full of fire. Didn’t take shit from anyone. I’d never seen a woman so in control of her life.”
Doc’s voice purred in my ears. I reached out to him, wrapping my arms around him.
“I didn’t feel in control. It was all an act.”
“Well, you were the best fucking actress then. I think I fell in love with you that first time we met. Do you remember?”
“How could I forget?”
“You were wearing a leopard print bodysuit, your hair wound up in tight curls around your face. Those green eyes were brilliant and as soon as you flashed them my way, I felt like you could see right through me.”
“I could,” I laughed. “You pretended to be so tough. With your leather and your wild hair and your loud bike. But I saw your heart, Doc. You could never hide that, no matter what you did. No matter who you tried to impress. It was like you wore it on the outside of your cut. Your goodness literally pours from your eyes.”
“Ah, Cher, you’re so sweet.”
He pulled me tight, his warm body enveloping me in love.
I’d never felt as loved in my life as the time I spent with Doc. His smile alone was enough to turn a bad day around in a heartbeat.
Maybe living in this darkness here with him would be enough.
Chapter 23
RYDER
Hannah stood beside me and I sensed she was as frustrated as I was.
Talking to Cherry’s doctor was like pulling teeth. His answers were vague and his attitude sucked.
“Look it’s been five days now since the accident. Isn’t it unusual that she isn’t waking up?”
“A little,” he said, waving away my question.
“I haven’t seen anyone else but the nurses taking care of her. Do you have some other doctors you can consult?”
He didn’t like that question, but I didn’t care if he was offended.
“I’m the Chief of Staff. There is nobody better here, I assure you.”
“I didn’t say better,” I replied, pointedly. “But sometimes two minds are better than one. Is it possible you’re missing something?”
“Your friend had a serious concussion. Sometimes it takes a while to recover.
