Page 14 of Ruthless Beast

“It’s going to be okay, Emily. You’re going to get through this,” she says, rocking me.

“I just don't understand, Dannie. Who the hell would do this? And why? David has never hurt a fly.”

“You said he didn't seem himself when you saw him a week ago. Do you think something happened at work? People can be real assholes when it comes to money.”

“I don’t know. I don’t even know who to ask.”

“What about Simon? Perhaps he can help.”

Simon called this morning. He was away and had only just heard of his best friend’s death. I was so upset that it hadn’t occurred to me to ask him if he knew of a reason anyone would want to hurt David.

“What if it was a burglary gone wrong?” Dannie asks. “David was a wealthy guy. That’s reason enough. Perhaps he fought back and surprised the thief.”

“I don’t know. The detective has been utterly useless.”

“I suppose the cops don't like to jump to conclusions.”

“They’d better try a little harder. It’s been two days, and still they are clueless!”

“Come on. Let’s go to the kitchen. You need to eat something.”

“I’m not hungry.”

“I don’t care. You’re going to get up and come to the kitchen.”

There was no point in arguing with her. Daniella was right. I have to pull myself together if I’m going to survive this.

“Okay. But, please, no wheatgrass shots.”

“Lasagne. I promise.”

“I love you, Dannie. Thank you for being here.”

“I love you too. We’re going to survive this. You’re strong. This is what David would want.”

After lunch, Dannie and I start on funeral arrangements.

I’m going to find out who did this, Davy. I swear I am. And when I do, the son of a bitch will rue the day he set eyes on you.

4

LUCAS

“What?! David Thornton? When? How?”

“Last night. It looks like it was a hit.”

“Damn it! Any idea who’s behind this?”

“Not yet, but we have our ears to the ground.”

I can’t believe this. David is, or rather, was, an integral part of my future plans. That, and he wasn’t a dick. It’s almost impossible to find someone in my world who doesn’t make me want to run in the opposite direction while screaming profanities. And now he’s dead. This is a serious setback. I liked David.

“No one sleeps until this man is found. Understand?”

“Understood, Boss.”

“F.U.U.U.U.C.K!”

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