Murder Once Seen by J.T. Hall

Author:J.T. Hall [Hall, J.T.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Riptide Publishing
Published: 2016-10-05T00:00:00+00:00

Two hours flew by as Derwin drove back to Nis, gunning the engine around the hairpin turns, and again when they hit the paved parts. Elliot said little, mostly commenting on the wilderness and asking what kind of men would want to work out there, dealing with demons on a daily basis. Once they reached the city, the guards waved them through the gates, and Derwin wasted no time in going to his place.

They made a quick stop to drop off the head of the kasha and get the bounty at the local police station. Derwin wasn’t surprised when Elliot elected to stay in the car.

As they pulled up to park in front of the condo, a teenaged boy was sitting on the steps to his place—the same one who had delivered Elliot’s clothes the day before. The boy glanced at Elliot, who frowned as he exited the car.

“Looks like I’ve got a message,” he said, walking over to speak with the young man.

Derwin carried their things inside, debating whether to listen in or let Elliot be. If only he knew him better. Last night had been confusing: the sex had been great, of course, but between Elliot crying in his arms and the kiss afterward, he didn’t know what to think. It was like the guy craved a real home, a real relationship.

That didn’t mean Elliot would accept an offer of either.

Once he’d set the backpacks inside, Derwin hovered at the front door, wishing there was a handy window or something so he could see the expressions on Elliot’s face. Was he pleased to hear from his Madame? Or afraid? After a minute, Derwin put away the leftovers from his parents, unable to stand still and unable to bring himself to open the door. Elliot’s rib was only starting to mend, but he might decide to leave anyway. There was nothing to bind him here.

Time to call Grady’s sister, Ceci. He hadn’t spoken to her since Grady’s funeral. Ceci was a heroin addict, and had been for years, so Grady had spent a lot of time arguing with her. She’d been an avid gymnast in high school. According to Grady, she’d started out on painkillers after she broke her ankle.

He punched in the number and wiped crumbs off the counter as he waited for her to pick up.

“Hello?” She sounded sober. Hesitant, timid, but sober.

“Hey, Ceci? It’s me, Derwin Bryant. You know—Grady’s boyfriend.” Just saying the words made Derwin’s stomach lurch, his heart clench. He powered through. “How’ve you been?”

There was a pause. “Derwin? You’re calling me? Do I have a warrant out on me or something?” She gave a false laugh, her tone high-pitched.

Derwin groaned inwardly, hoping that she didn’t have any outstanding warrants. Bob would be the sort to sign Ceci, and if she’d failed to appear for court, he’d owe it to Bob to take care of it. But bringing her in on a bounty would be beyond embarrassing.

“Not that I know of.” He glanced over as he heard the front door open and steps approaching.

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