Page 57 of Hart of Vengeance
18
Jade
Mallory and I left the coffee shop that Denim and I had visited the day before. We’d taken an early lunch. Kelton wasn’t due in until noon, and Mallory’s boss was in court most of the day.
We strolled back to the office amid businesspeople hailing cabs, window-shoppers lingering to admire the latest fashion, and buses picking up passengers on each corner block. I’d been tempted to walk two blocks in the opposite direction just to see if any cops were still hanging around after the prior day’s shooting. But it wouldn’t matter. It was too depressing to think about anyway, and I didn’t need more grief to pull me down.
The cool fall air was a welcome relief. I’d been sweating for the last few hours. I didn’t have a fever, but I felt worn down and spent from crying most of the night. I couldn’t shake the image of Savannah laid out in that hospital bed, not breathing.
Mallory closed the top of her coat. “You shouldn’t be working today.”
“I told you for the tenth time, I need to keep my mind occupied.”
I’d stayed at her place, not wanting to be alone. She hadn’t either. Mallory had been beside herself after seeing Cara cozied up to Duke. She and Cara hadn’t talked much lately. Cara was in college, and Mallory worked long hours. The only time they did see each other was at a family gathering.
“Have you heard from Cara?” I asked.
“She won’t return my calls,” Mallory said.
I couldn’t blame Cara. I knew firsthand how getting dumped felt—like a punch so hard to the stomach, I couldn’t breathe. Denim hadn’t been mean like Duke, but a breakup was a breakup.
I hiked my purse higher on my shoulder. “I want to tell Kelton what happened to Savannah and understand what happens next. I want to know if the person who beat her will be charged with her murder.” I wasn’t sure how the system worked. But I wanted whoever had beaten Savannah to pay.
Wisps of Mallory’s auburn hair ruffled in the light wind. “For sure. Maybe we can somehow fit Duke into that scenario.” Derision laced her tone.
“You know, what we need is a night out dancing. We haven’t been in a long time, and I really need an escape.”
Mallory and I had frequented many clubs in our early twenties. It was one of the ways to blow off steam and forget our troubles.
“I don’t know,” she said. “I should check on Cara, and you should get some rest.”
“You can still check on Cara after work. Clubs don’t get hopping until later tonight anyway. Let’s at least go for a drink.” The last thing I wanted to do was be alone in my grungy apartment. I had to stay busy. “Besides, I don’t think Duke will take Cara back. Savannah told me once Duke makes a decision, he always sticks to his guns.” I hoped I was making her feel better.
My phone rang as we entered the busy lobby of our office building. A crowd was leaving for lunch since it was noon. I plucked my phone out of my jacket pocket and saw Todd’s name on the screen.
Mallory glanced down. “Who’s Todd?”
Oh my.I’d forgotten about him. We’d agreed to chat that day. I lifted my finger to Mallory, signaling for her to wait a second. “Hey, Todd.”
“Hey, yourself.” He sounded nasally. “Want to get drinks after work?”
“It’s not a good day.” My heart wasn’t into seeing any man at that moment.
The line grew silent as Mallory stabbed the button to the elevator.
“Too bad,” Todd said. “I was going to offer to take you to a new club in the city.”
“New club?” I prodded Mallory with my eyes. Then something hit me. Todd was more her type, and she wasn’t dating anyone. I wasn’t a matchmaker, but I could let things fall where they may. “Is there dancing involved?” Not waiting for him to answer, I continued. “Tell you what—text me the name and address of the club. My girlfriend and I might meet you there.”
“Cool. I’ve got to run. Hope to see you tonight.” Then Todd hung up.
On the ride up to our office, Mallory said, “You don’t need me to tag along. Go and have a good time.”
“Oh, no. We’re going out, and we’re going to take our mind off our troubles.” If I had to spend one more moment in my depressing apartment, I would shoot myself. I couldn’t let my mind wander either. Otherwise, I would be one big ball of snot.
Mallory crammed herself into a corner of the elevator while others piled in.
I pushed my shoulder into hers. “You might like Todd.” I kept my voice low. “He’s your type.” She liked dark-haired men over blonds and gingers.
