AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“How so?”
“He…he invested in real estate not long after he took me in,” he replied, calming himself again. “He got in when the market was right, and he rented the one place out to me before I bought my own pad.”
It was an interesting save, which meant something was there. I had everything I needed.
“It sounds like he’s a business-savvy guy. I’m sure he’ll inspire others around here, too.”
Joey nodded, still looking somewhat nervous.
“That should do it,” I said, offering him a smile as I turned the recorder off. “Thanks so much for your time, and enjoy Rose Valley while you’re here.”
With a look of relief, Joey stood with his coffee and pulled a tight-lipped grin. “No problem. I’ll do my best to.”
After giving him a final goodbye, I couldn’t fight the appeasement I felt, and I immediately returned to my search. Joey was barely out the door when I began typing.
It didn’t take me long after the conversation to find my first and only lead. I searched major construction companies in the city and found what had to be the most prevalent one. They had many deals with the city and were certainly well-funded.
Landing on their company website, I dug around until I found a number to contact.
Looking at it, I paused.
It could be what I needed to find something shady about Liam’s past, and based on Joey’s stumble, I was beginning to think there was some merit to my suspicions. It felt like I was getting close to uncovering his secrets, and all I needed to do was make the call.
Discovering more about his past meant I could finally get an upper hand on Liam. To remind him that I had changed and that I wasn’t the same passive little girl I used to be. I wasn’t going to let him belittle me or walk all over me again.
I was done letting the past torment me.
After writing the number down, I packed up my things and headed outside, immediately faced with the chilly air.
On the way home, I looked at the number and decided it was time. My curiosity was getting the better of me, and I needed to know as much about him as I could get my hands on.
Pressing the call button, the line immediately started to ring, and I brought it up to my ear.
After ringing twice, a voice came through the other end. “Hello?”
“Hi, my name’s Cora Barlowe, and I’m a reporter for a local paper. I was wondering if you knew anything about a man named Liam Saunders?”
There was a brief pause, then they replied, “Yes. I do, actually. We’ve been trying to get a hold of him.”
Something about it struck me as odd, but I continued. “What a small world. I’m actually writing an article about him, and I was wondering if you might be able to answer some questions about him.”
“Whereabouts are you located?” The man asked, sounding cooperative.
“Rose Valley. It’s a small town, about three hours from the city. He has captured the town’s attention with his new business venture.”
There was another pause of consideration before his speech lifted somewhat with approval. “How wonderful. I don’t mind answering questions, but I’d rather speak with you in person. I can schedule a visit, and I’ll have more information for you.”
Shocked by how easy it was, I chuckled. “That would be great. Maybe then you’ll be able to get a hold of him as well.”
“That is my hope.”
The call continued as they worked with me, explaining how they’d need to get in contact with me again to coordinate a meeting time. Grateful they even agreed to speak with me, I thanked them and began to think of how nice it would be once Liam received the payback he deserved.
Chapter 13 - Liam
Ink pooled around the needle as it pierced through the skin at an inconceivable speed, moving with precision to follow the purple stencil. That familiar buzz of the tattoo gun echoed through the studio, immediately putting me in a state of calm that always accompanied me during the long tattoo sessions.
It almost put me in a meditative state, which helped guide me through those daunting hours. In a sense, that was the fun of it: getting lost in the time it took to create the best tattoo possible for my clients.
