Page 96 of XO Karma

“Don’t be so pessimistic.” He winks. “In journalism we’re taught to exhaust all possible leads before killing a story.” He flips the board back around, gesturing to the suspects’ photos. “And we’ve still got plenty.”

I force away the hopelessness. “Then where do you suggest we start, Sherlock?”

He pushes his glasses up the bridge of his nose, the movement sexy and so damn irresistible. That charm increases tenfold when he grins at me with a brow cocked and points at the Westerford estate. “Have you forgotten we have a date this week, love?”

My cheeks flame. “I fear I can’t deny it’s a date now that we’ve slept together.”

“No, you cannot,” he replies smugly. “So, let’s start with the Westerfords. There was at least one murder committed there, and we want to search the house anyways. Maybe we’ll get lucky and a second victim will drop so we can follow them this time.”

“You and I have very different definitions of luck if you consider someone dying a positive thing.”

“Maybe we’ll be super lucky and it’ll be Jude.” His eyes brighten, way too pleased with the idea.

“In that situation, are you the one dropping the body?”

“Of course not.” He grabs my hand, pulling me to him. “I never murder on the first date.”

A choked laugh escapes me. “Well, that’s reassuring.”

“That’s more of a fifth date type of activity.” He runs a thumb over my bottom lip. “Wouldn’t want you thinking I’m easy.”

30

LILY

A conflicting sense of frustration and relief buzzes through me. I’m angry at Aster for taking a life like it’s nothing, especially doing it for my safety… but I can’t help but be satisfied there’s one fewer piece of shit man on this earth.

I huff a laugh at the last line.

“Should you have any information, please contact Detective Liam Huxley.”

Aster and I both know there’s zero evidence or information to report, but even a few bogus phone calls would be enough to piss Liam off. I also know the Cleosville PD, especially Liam, has no interest in finding the killer. When mob bosses get taken out, we’re all just thankful someone else did the job and move on.

After tossing the paper on my mattress, I pull out my burner and type a text on the multi-tap keypad. It’s a bit of a pain in the ass, but I’ll admit it’s kinda fun. Very retro chic.

Me

L is gunna kill u

Grim

hah bet

Me

eye roll emoji

Grim

typing it is lame

Me

phone has 0 emojis. thats lamer

Grim

:-*