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He grins and understands.
But it’s not a number from the crew. Or my family.
It’s Karen from AA texting me.
Karen
Please help me
I’m staring at a bottle of wine, a glass I just poured and I need help
Please
CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN
Lost on You by LP
It doesn’t taste the same. The long licks I take of the lemon sherbet ice cream coat my tongue, but it’s not right.
I made myself come back to this ice cream shop by the park. The one where I had my first kiss. The one where I had my worst night. My dreams were taken here… and I want them back.
But the ice cream tastes too bitter. Without Redix standing in front of me with his devil grin licking the cone, too, there’s no going back.
I used to want that—the impossible dream of changing that night. Of swapping my place for Redix’s and letting those men take me like they wanted to instead of him. I would’ve survived it. And I would’ve killed them the next chance I could.
Yes, it would’ve changed me and hurt me in ways I can imagine.
But this is where Redix and I are different. He wanted peace afterward and I wanted war.
Now, I don’t even want that.
We both need to change.
Don’t get me wrong. This tiger ain’t changing all her stripes. No, I’ll sink my fangs into any evil man. I’ll just take them down a different way this time.
I’ll admit I regret how it went down with TJ. Not that he’s dead. He had to be stopped. But I hate that I let it possess me. I let him stalk my mind as much as he stalked me. I was equally obsessed, equally out of control for revenge.
But when it comes to Gentry, I got all the time in the world. Because one hasty move on my part and Pamela and Cam can disappear for good. So, I’m weaving the perfect rope to wrap around Gentry’s skinny neck.
And Derek? I got one ready for him, too. He’s wanted in so many cases; all he needs to do is stick his neck out, and he’s done.
But now I got a new itch to scratch.
That woman Redix is dating from his AA meetings. Fuck patience from heaven. I’m pissed as hell. I know what she’s up to. I know what she did. Twice.
Redix’s heart is too big. He’s too kind to see it. He has his AA meetings on Monday mornings, but I’d never violate that sanctuary for him. I know it helps to keep him alive.
Tossing my half-eaten cone away, I gotta do this. I have to tell him about her. And I need to update Renie on Derek’s case anyway, so I can walk my flip-flops into Redix’s house and not lose my shit. I promise.
It’s a Wednesday and almost four o’clock. I drive to his home and ring the doorbell. I’m not on duty or in uniform. Nope. I’m calm and smiling, and they should be home because school gets out at two o’clock.
Scarlett lets me in. “Well, hello, hot stuff.” She’s incredible. I wish she had more time to hang out, but she’s working all day guarding Redix’s family and sleeping all night for the next one.
“Backatcha.” I wink. And no, I’m not wearing this white mini sundress to get Redix’s attention.
And I’m lying. A bit.
“Who’s home?”
