Inner Circle by DDale

Author:DDale
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Harridan Books
Published: 2023-07-14T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER THIRTY-THREE

SATURDAY, AUGUST 25 • 6:15 PM CT

“We’re just outside of Springfield,” Teri said. “Do you want to stop?”

Alex opened eir eyes and sat up, yawning. “Sounds good. I could use a restroom and something to eat.”

“Me, too. My butt’s asleep.”

Teri pulled into a barbecue joint just off I-44.

Alex hit her with a look that would curdle milk. “Barbecue? I thought you said you were going to stop someplace that serves healthy food?”

“Sorry. It’s nothing but fast food along here. I thought maybe this place would offer grilled chicken, at least.”

Alex huffed and climbed out of the Explorer. “I pick the next restaurant, got it?” e said stomping toward the entrance.

“Fine,” Teri spat, following behind.

The two followed a server to a booth near a window and slid into it, road weary and irritable. Teri ordered a rib plate with baked beans and coleslaw. Alex opted for a salad with smoked chicken. Neither one spoke much.

After dinner, Alex took the wheel for the next leg, stopping to refuel before setting out for Oklahoma City. Despite having been on the road for nearly twelve hours, they were determined to press on. Teri ducked into the convenience store while Alex pumped gas. When she returned, she twisted the cap off a bottle of water, set it in the cup holder, and stashed two more bottles in the cooler. Then, reaching into the bag at her feet, she retrieved a clamshell container and set it on the console.

Alex slid into the driver’s seat and started the engine. “What’s this?” e asked.

“Strawberries. They’re organic and washed.”

Alex opened the container and smiled. “Thank you. That was very sweet.”

“I have my moments,” Teri said, bucking her seatbelt.

Alex popped a strawberry into eir mouth and offered Teri the container. “Have one. They’re delish.”

“No thanks, I have these.” She held up a bag of M&M’s. “Where to now?”

“Oklahoma City. About another four hours.”

“You okay to drive that long?”

“I slept some on the way to Springfield, so I’m good.”

“Yeah, I heard you snoring.”

“And I heard you singing.” Alex tossed Teri a sidelong glance. “You have a beautiful voice, by the way.”

Teri shrugged off the compliment. “Yeah. Well…”

“No. You’re great.”

“I can’t hit the high notes like I used to.”

“Were you in a band or something?”

“Not really. I got together with some of my friends to play music, but it was nothing serious. We had the occasional gig at a couple of lesbian bars, but that’s it.”

“Do you play an instrument?”

“Used to. Bass guitar. I gave it up years ago.”

“What happened?”

“Life, I guess. I went to the police academy and then hit the streets. I didn’t realize that my schedule would turn to shit when I became a cop.” Teri dumped some M&M’s into her mouth and stared out the window, remembering. She turned back towards Alex. “So. We good?”

Alex’s brow crinkled. “Why wouldn’t we be?”

“Well, you got pretty quiet after our discussion earlier.”

“I was thinking.”

“About what?”

“That you’re right in a lot of ways, but off the mark in others.”

“Well, no one is completely right or wrong.

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