Page 16 (1/2)

“He was engaging in criminal activities with a prostitute”

Her eyes slide closed “Star” It’s not a question, and she doesn’t give“And you killed him”

We’re quiet a le “What are you thinking?”

She shakes her head slowly “I never understood I guess now I never will”

Catching her chin, I make her look at me “Understand what?”

“How he could be so duplicitous Sed, he was co tears, ande people”

I reach for her, s her hair away from her beautiful cheek A tear falls, and I touch it with h hell”

She sniffs and wipes her cheeks roughly “It was all a lie He lied to ers Her strength shines in her eyes “You helped ain I’m so lucky to have you”

“I’m pretty sure I’m the lucky one in this scenario” She lifts her chin and s you”

“Shh!” Pulling it away, she lightly touches my lips “I’m always safe with you”

I’m ready to show her how much more than safe she is, how loved and appreciated she is as well, when her phone rings from the kitchen

“That’s Elaine with Dex” She’s up and heading for it before I can do anything more

Sitting alone in our bed, ht-olive colored walls, out theand over the ht I can still hear the sounds of Star’s life being choked froe that he’d touched Melissa that way My jaw tightens, and I know I’d do it again I’d kill him every time Control be damned

Patrick’s right We have to ride this out, track dohoever’s black Star, handle that asshole, and then put this case to rest

Melissa’s back Her shirt’s over her head, and she goes to the dresser to pull out a fresh pair of panties Red lace I s it’s only a few ether