Page 46 of Hard to Love

I never had the nerve to ask her out then, even though I was one of the best players at my high school. We were worlds apart in so many ways. I would’ve never jeopardized our relationship if it wasn’t imperative. I pray she sees it that way when the day comes to tell her. Looking at her now, she’s even more beautiful today. I’m a lucky man.

We’ve decided to move into my home, well, I didn’t want her at her old one. Too many old ghosts hanging around. I’m hoping she’ll start working for me also. I’ll find somewhere for her to fit in. Thayer loves her company, but I’m sure once she gets a taste of the life I’m prepared to give her, she’ll change her mind.

I wanted to ask her to just run off with me to get married, but being the only daughter, I’m sure Elise, her mother, would’ve been upset. But the sooner I can get her tied to me, the better off we both will be. I can’t stand waiting. And of course, there’s the sex.

I just can’t take much more of the looking over our shoulder. I hate knowing Hardy watches her every move. He hides out in the thickets, stalking her like prey. Why not man-up, do your thing? Then again, I’m glad he hasn’t. Bullshit having to show my hand before the game’s over. Maybe I should just take it to the grave and forget the rest.

No one needs to know what I know. No one ever will unless I decide to tell it. The day Chet called, I never expected what he was about to say to me. Playing it cool was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done, and I’m a very successful trial lawyer.

Nevertheless, I have all I need to keep this under wraps for a long time. If Hardy ever thinks about coming back, I’ll tell him I have concrete proof of who he is and the things he’s done. I’ll protect Thayer at all costs.

Little did I know, by the end of the conversation, I’d be protecting myself also. Talk about being blindsided; I had never seen this coming. Seems as though Hardy has more on his plate than I ever imagined.

Three weeks ago, I was in the office preparing for a trial for the next day. It’s not unusual in my line of business to have contacts from all walks of life, even the occasional criminal. But today, it was one of those guys you’re not quite sure about; my friend Chet from college. He is now a private investigator in Charleston, South Carolina.

His call was out of the blue. The information he was looking for gobsmacked me. Stunned into silence as he explained his reason for calling, I rallied to gain the vantage point early, guaranteeing me the win.

“Walker Pennington,” I answered my cell phone.

“Walker. Chet Norwood.” A gruff voice comes across the line.

“Chet, it’s been ages. How are you?” He chuckles but answers like only he can.

“Good. Still getting pussy.” We laugh at his old joke, still new to him.

“Great. How can I help you?” I have no time to reminisce.

“Ellis Kipton from Atlanta called me in on a case he’s working.” Now he has my attention. A private investigator from Atlanta working all the way up the coast had to be significant. Someone has deep pockets.

“Of course, anything for you,” I say with bated breath.

“Hardison ‘Hardy’ Casey Turner. He’s been in your area for several years.” Chet waits, but I want more.

“I want it all before I say a word.” Trying to keep my voice calm, I feel like I’m about to jump out of my skin.

“Vested interest?” Chet was always more relaxed. That’s why I’m the shark, and he’s the snake.

“We’ll see,” I reply before holding my breath, however, baited it may be.

“Thayer Hamilton.” Mother fuck. I knew it.

“Go on.” He can tell I have more than just an interest.

“She and her sister-in-law, Hadlea Woods, hired Ellis Kipton to find him. They also need information on his life here in Charleston. I’ve found some intriguing details about his early years. My investigation turned up a gentleman happy to pay me to keep these details to myself. Eric Murphy then gave me a few details about Turner, some of which included Hamilton. Ten thousand dollars isn’t a lot of money, but if it’s worth that to him, I couldn’t help but wonder what the next bidder would offer. Apparently, Mrs. Woods is worth quite a bit of money. Maybe a bidding war would be appropriate,” he says with a chuckle. Maybe so.

“What’s the intel? Furthermore, what’s your price?” I actually thought Chet was making it suitable down there, but then again, it could just be greed.

“Intel will rock the foundation of all involved, tipping the scale in favor of the one in possession of the papers I hold. Price, $100,000.” His words are cold and calculating. This is explosive.

“I want the details in my hand in ten. If it’s worth it, I’ll transfer $150,000 by two this afternoon. This goes no further.” I learned cold and calculating from the best, mother fucker.

“Just as I thought. Do you remember her?” Chet’s fishing.

“Who?” I pander.

“Oh, come on now, Walker. Do you take me for a fool?” Hedging his bets on my response, I give nothing away.

“Meaning?”