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“I’m here for you.” She handed me the box of pastries. “I can work on Monday. No one’s going to need those reports before then anyway.”
“Besides.” Bex climbed into the driver's seat of the golf cart. “We’re all meant to be doing our own reports.”
The three of us rode across the field between the Salinger Security offices and the B&B until we reached the edge of the property. Bex was the first to step out and raised a brow and tapped her foot as she waited for us. I took the box that Bex had brought while Sue took her own one and Bex took the kiddies juice boxes she stole from the office fridge. No doubt that was meant to keep the little kids occupied while their parents worked.
Bex led the way through the wooded area bordering the farm property. I wasn’t sure how deep it went, but I knew the beach was on the other side.
“Please don’t tell me you’re leading me to my death.”
She looked over her shoulder and rolled her eyes at me. Sue was right behind. Her long dark hair was wavy and wild, and the red knitted sweater she wore complimented her dark skin perfectly. None of us were dressed for a long hike and even a slow stroll through the woods was a bit of a challenge. Still, less than fifteen minutes later I could hear and smell the ocean. Myshoulders relaxed, I inhaled deeper and a smile crept onto my lips.
And then… turquoise. Like my eyes, it was that deep blue in places with some green, some navy blue and even a little mossiness in between. I pulled off my shoes and let my toes sink into the golden grainy goodness of a southern Californian beach.
“I didn’t bring a blanket with us, but I figured we would get sand everywhere anyway.” Bex picked a spot and sat down. “Also, I didn’t want anyone to know that I was coming down here.”
The wistful look on her face told me she was not ready to share whatever was on her mind. I was in the same boat. There was no way I wanted to talk about myself. Instead, I turned the conversation on Sue.
“So. Rumor has it you used to date Jared.” Well, I heard it from Brie and Cassie, who had heard it from their husbands. Proving that despite being the best security company on the west coast who handled who knew what kind of classified information, when it came to gossip they couldn’t keep a secret.
Sue picked a Danish from the box and took a big bite, prolonging the moment she needed to answer me. She pointed to her mouth to indicate she would not talk with her mouth full. But I never flinched or changed the subject. I just waited her out.
Eventually, she swallowed and rolled her eyes before she answered. “That was before.” She didn’t elaborate on before what. I got the distinct impression she had misspoken. “He wasn’t even a SEAL back then. I was still in college. We didn’t really date. It was more of a holiday fling.”
Bex narrowed her eyes. “According to your resume there was no college degree.”
“Uhm.” Sue stumbled over her words, looking more nervous than she should. “I dropped out. Just after Jared and I parted ways.”
That was strange. I may not have known her for very long, but she struck me as determined and ambitious. She wanted to be a writer. While I could see how she felt that the degree would not help with that career, I also couldn’t see her quitting for no reason.
Bex voiced the question that popped into my head. “Did you quit for him?”
The burst of uncontrolled laughter that erupted from Sue told us all we needed to know. Still, it was good to hear her confirm things. “Of course not. He had things to do, and my life went in a different direction.
Okay, then. That was twice in a matter of minutes that one of my friends got that faraway look. I guessed it was time for me to take the spotlight. “I’m so fucking scared!” I looked at Bex. “What if it was another Friday night and you were staying in the house with Skylar?”
Bex shook her head. “Don’t torture yourself like that.”
I did nothing but torture myself. That scenario played over and over in my head. Bex stayed with Skylar some Friday nights while I was at The Reverse Cowgirl. Sometimes someone else would step in, but there was a possibility the guy would've broken in while my kid was in the house. Unless…
“If he was watching me, he could’ve known that the house was empty, right. Maybe he needed time to do what he did.”
Sue nodded. “He definitely needed time in your bedroom to —”
“Sue.” Bex glared at the other woman.
“Sorry.” She looked mortified to have misspoken.
“Look, why don’t you guys just tell me.” In fact, I had an even better idea. “Or perhaps you two could come with me and I can have a look for myself.”
“Everly, you don’t need to be traumatized any further.” Bex didn’t meet my eyes. “Last night was hard, I cannot imagine howyou going back there and seeing the full extent of that sick mind will help”
“Bex, last night I was in no state to deal with it. I was in shock and you guys shielded me and I appreciate that more than you know. But you know these guys. Skylar and I are going to have armed guards for the next while. I need to know exactly what I am dealing with. When Skylar pushes back, I want to be honest when I tell her it is all very necessary.”
My friend let out a long sigh. “Fine. Sue, show her the reports the guys sent you.” If you have questions, ask me.”
Sue took her out her phone and started scrolling and tapping. She handed me her phone with an email from Nick. “Read this one, it's detailed and not yet in the correct format because that’s my job. There are pictures attached as well.”
I read through Nick’s notes. A line or two about the mug and the mail. He also mentioned the power being cut. Then he referred to the suggestive photos that were in the main bedroom. And then he had a note that said,source: old porn mags.
