Page 18 of Dead Man's Wish
“Kel is pretty hot,” he said with a laugh.
“Exactly, your response isn’t violence, hatred, or even shame. Normal people without prejudices or self-hatred don’t react like that. He was born and raised in a town with extreme religious beliefs and practices. I’d bet that when Detective Martin digs into his history, he’ll find an abusive father that tried to beat the homosexuality out of his son. The deflections led me to the right place, and the casefile gave enough hints on what to ask about.”
“You’re one scary woman,” he murmured, leaning in to hold my face as he kissed me. “Don’t make me end up here because someone tried to put their hands on you.” I smiled, knowing he’d go with a similar one in his mugshot.
“No promises, but we do have a good lawyer.”
Seven
Journal Entry
June 4, 2016
Brent Hale
They’re getting ready for the graduation trip and despite being a diligent student, loving son, and thoughtful friend, I’m not joining them. Every year, the senior students break off in groups and make a trip down to the coast for a warm, sunny beach trip to kick off the summer.
I wasn’t invited.
I don’t even think I was a fucking thought. They throw around “girls’ trip” or “girls’ weekend,” but I know it’s a fucking lie.
I’m sure as soon as I was out of sight, Mari invited that social reject down with them.
I got one good picture of Bex the other day. After the ceremony, she threw her cap with Mari and the happiness and excitement poured off her. I wanted to bottle that, too.
I also wanted to smother it, snuff it out and steal it so no one else would have it.
Someone else wanted it. Jaiden stood beside her, ruining my picture, my perfect moment to steal. The way he watched her was like a hungry beast. With his size and history, there’s no way he won’t hurt her. He doesn’t know gentle like I do, the kind needed to cut flesh just right so that it doesn’t hurt. He’s a brute who doesn’t know anything but destruction. He could never make the art that I do—make the art of Bex that I could. That I will.
Bex will never be safe with that vile criminal. I’ll keep her safe, keep her beautiful—immortalized in her current beauty.
I’ll keep Bex safe. I will. I just need more time.
Eight
July 29, 2025
Bexley Wells
Bishop calledus down to the precinct to meet the full team. Most of my consultations with him had been over the phone, in a web meeting, or an in off-site interview. I kept my distance from Old Oaks to keep my sanity. Sitting in the black sporty car in front of their precinct, I was thankful for tinted windows as nosy residents lingered and stared.
“I can steal you away and we run off to some island if you don’t want to go in,” Jaiden teased as he cut the engine.
“A bit dramatic just to avoid looking at an old casefile.” I rolled my shoulders back and readied my hand against the door. “One day at a time. We’ll lay this ghost to rest for good and there’ll be no relapses.” His eyes searched my face. Satisfied with what he saw, he exited the car, and I followed him.
People watched—they always did and they always would—especially here, where people felt entitled to someone’s business because of everyone’s proximity. Those who refused to live under such scrutiny were always ready to run from small-town life.
I ignored their stares, their whispered questions. Jaiden held the door open, and I made a beeline for Bishop’s office.
“Bexley Laughtery?” I heard a small voice squeak from the far side of the lobby. I couldn’t place the woman when I looked at her. She was young and petite, but there was nothing to hint at anyone I knew from the past.
“It’s, uh—it’s Wells now,” I corrected, holding up my left hand and gesturing toward Jaiden. “This is my husband, Jaiden.”
“I’m familiar,” she said. Stressed layered her response and I switched gears. My eyes swept over her again with a new perspective. As Jaiden stepped forward and put his hand on my waist, the grip on her purse tightened along with her mouth.
“Can I help you with something?”
“No, I’m fine. It’s surprising to see you is all.” She shuffled around us before rushing out a final, “I hope you’re well.” The glass doors closed behind her, and she disappeared down the steps and around the corner. I felt Jaiden by my ear.
