Page 130 of Fish out of Water
“I don’t know.” Collette’s eyes were rimmed in red and watery.
“I mean since you spoke with Grant, dear.” She pointed to the chain. “Why did you have the chain on the door? You knew we were coming.”
“I was worried it wasn’t you.” She went to the table and grabbed a sheet of paper, holding it up for my mother to see. “I found this.”
My mother took it from her, skimming it before passing it my way. “How are you feeling? Recovered from your day yesterday?”
Collette nodded. “I’m okay.”
“Good.” My mother turned toward the door. “Do you know any of the neighbors?”
“I know Mrs. Sherling.”
“Stay with her until we get back. Don’t leave her apartment until we get back.” My mother opened the door, stepping outside and waiting.
I leaned in close to Collette. “She means now.”
“Oh.” Collette hurried out the door, going down a few units before stopping in front of one. She knocked.
Then she knocked again.
“Christ.” I raked one hand through my hair. “Was Mrs. Sherling here last night?”
Collette’s eyes went wide. She slowly nodded. “Do you think—”
My mother didn’t give her time to finish the question. “Looks like you’re coming with us.” She turned and marched back down the steps.
I tipped my head for Collette to go next then I brought up the rear.
My mother’s next stop was Vito’s place.
She didn’t even bother knocking, just grabbed the handle and twisted.
The door swung open.
Not a good sign.
By now Collette was stuck to my mother’s side, staying close to the woman who was clearly in charge of the situation. Both women went in, leaving me to stand at the open door, making sure no one showed up to surprise us.
My line of sight was limited to the front room.
Which turned out to be more than enough to make an interesting discovery. “Is that his fucking fish?”
Penelope stared out at me from her tank. She looked a little roughed up, but we all did at this point.
Except for my mother.
She came out of the kitchen, another piece of paper in her hand. “Come on.” She walked right past me.
“Where are we going?”
She tipped her sunglasses up to the top of her head and gave me a little smirk. “The Sweet Side.”
Chapter Twenty-Seven
Julia
“I’M GONNA KILL you with my bare hands when this is all over.” Sylvia glared across the dingy space at where her brother was strapped to a chair.
