Hunted Girl (Rachel Ryder Book 2) by Carolyn Ridder Aspenson

Author:Carolyn Ridder Aspenson [Ridder Aspenson, Carolyn]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Severn River Publishing
Published: 2021-05-31T16:00:00+00:00

I tapped my fingers on my thighs as we drove through town. As he passed the Dunkin’ Donuts, I pointed and said, “Wait. I wanted real coffee.”

“Keep your pants on, we’re going for real coffee.”

“But it’s Dunkin’.”

“There’s other real coffee in this town, partner.”

Not in my opinion. “Where?”

“Community Cup.”

“Ah, I got it. It’s a cinnamon roll kind of day.”

“It’s always a cinnamon roll kind of day.”

“Those things will kill you.”

“Not if the cigarettes do first.”

That hit me in the ego. “Ouch.”

“Truth hurts.”

The shop was in the middle of a remodel, but that didn’t stop them from tempting people with the smell of coffee and baked goods. The line was already out the door, but the staff was quick and efficient, and it wouldn’t take long. I grabbed a seat while Bishop ordered his cinnamon roll, our coffees, and a banana for me.

A tall man dressed in a black suit and white button-down walked in our direction.

Bishop’s eyes widened. “Whoa. Didn’t expect to see him out in public.”

The man was very attractive. “Damn, he’s easy on the eyes.”

The man walked over to our table and extended his hand to my partner. “Rob, long time.”

“Nice to see you,” Bishop said.

He stared at me for a moment. “Detective Ryder. Scott Blackberry.”

Shit! I stood and offered my hand. “Mr. Blackberry.”

An awkward silence filled the air. And not just at our small table. The entire place shut up and watched us. Scott Blackberry was unpopular in town in a hated-celebrity sort of way.

“I, uh, I…oh, hell. I don’t know what I’m trying to say.”

I smiled. “No need to say anything.” I felt for the guy. It was a bold move, going out in public. His marriage to Kathi Blackberry ended before the Light investigation, but Hamby’s a small town, and people like to dig up old dirt and toss it around for fun.

“Yes, well, the looks I’m getting around town aren’t all that pleasant, but I have a child and I need to honor her wishes.”

Blackberry’s ex-wife was awaiting trial for her part in my first official case in Hamby. It wasn’t pretty, nearly reaching Chicago-level crime, and I respected the guy for having the balls to come back and live with his wife’s decisions. I respected their daughter more for wanting to stay and put up with the guaranteed BS she had to be getting from her elitist friends. I’m not sure I’d have the guts.

“It’ll pass,” Bishop said. “Something else will happen, and people will move on. Just give it some time.”

“I’m not sure having an ex-wife working a prostitution ring with the former mayor’s wife will disappear anytime soon, but I appreciate the encouragement, and I wanted to thank you. My daughter could have easily ended up a victim.”

I didn’t have the heart to tell him she was already a victim. “We just did our job, sir.”

“And I appreciate it.” He smiled and nodded once at me. “Detective.”

I nodded back. After he left, the rest of the café hummed along, already gossiping amongst themselves, their phones in hand, ready to spread the gossip.

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