Bone of Contention by Kristi Rose

Author:Kristi Rose [Rose, Kristi]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Vintage Housewife Books

Chapter Ten

Natalie dropped Mallory off at their mom's house that evening because Mallory wanted to go see Benji Burawski alone. Natalie had to get the kids ready for bed. Bunco was in full swing, but Mallory avoided the players as she snuck away with her mom's car keys and escaped under the cover of night.

After a thirty-minute drive into the country in her mom’s car, she arrived at Benji’s childhood home, which happened to be his current home, according to his rap sheet. The low-roofed ranch had been built on the edge of Green Swamp, a nature preserve. Benji sat in a rocking chair on the long porch. His feet were propped up on the rail, a book was in his lap, and the porch light over his shoulder was on. He still looked very much like the sixteen-year-old she remembered. Dark hair, dark eyes, a smile that showed off deep dimples. He'd done time upstate for bank robbery. He'd been the getaway driver. Prior to his participation in a poor reenactment of Point Break, he'd been busted for petty crimes like stealing cable and shoplifting video games.

Mallory parked her mom's small SUV near the front door. She gave Benji a wave. He waved back.

When she stepped out of the car, he said, “Am I last one of us that you've talked to?”

She shrugged. “Well, can't really say Trace was willing to talk, so maybe the second.”

He briefly pursed his lips in thought. “You should have started here.”

“Probably. But then I would have missed the brick throwing at Hector’s. I'm guessing you heard about that and the incident at Trace’s. I hadn't planned on coming until tomorrow, but after that happened, I figured sooner was better than later.” She gestured to the porch, silently asking permission to step into his space.

“Take a seat. Want some tea?” He pointed to a tall, sweaty glass of amber liquid.

“I'd actually love some.”

“Mom!” he yelled over his shoulder. “Mallory Bodine is here questioning me, and she'd love some tea. Can you bring her some?”

Mallory's mouth dropped open. “Are you serious? I wouldn't have said yes if I knew you were gonna do that!”

His smiled broadened. “She hates when I do that, but this way she doesn't have to stand at the window and try to listen. I've given her a reason to come out and ask you point-blank what you want.” He winked. “Watch.”

Sure enough, a few minutes later, Mrs. Burawski came onto the porch with a large glass and set it on the table.

“How are you, Mrs. B?” Mallory asked.

“I'll be better if this whole thing would just get cleared up. I'm sorry that poor girl was found on your property, but I'm spitting nails that we're going through this again.” Carla Burawski was a woman who had worked hard all her life. The lines on her face were etched deep. Her hands were calloused. Her voice was gravely from cigarettes. Benji's dad had been killed in a trucking accident when Benji was ten.

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