Karly's hostility was felt and reciprocated. Her presence got under Cassie's skin, but she didn't quite get it. It was almost as if Cassie wanted Daniel for herself, even though she didn't want him that way when he wasn't touching her. She wasn't one to be territorial, yet here she was feeling like she needed to piss on a tree and mark her turf. One thing she knew for sure: things were going to be awkward as ass if she couldn't convince Karly that her interest in Daniel was purely professional. How do you convince someone of something when you can't even convince yourself? What if Eryn was right and there was something between them? Was there?They walked a full block before either spoke. It wasn't an uncomfortable silence, more like they were both trapped in their own heads and didn't know where to start."I don't think you should ever tell Karly," Cassie finally said."I can't keep lying to her.""If she finds out that you saw her rape and didn't act, you'll be history. I
Cassie arrived home to an empty house. A text from Eryn stated she'd gone into the city to see Jack, and Cassie would need to feed the horses supper and breakfast. A smile curved her lips as she thought about how happy Jack made Eryn. After what Kevin Lanoway did to her, it was nice to see her being treated well. She deserved the best. Jack Brady was about as close to the best as any guy could get. Not only did he look like a Greek god, but he had a badass job as world's hottest karate instructor. Cassie started taking his classes to keep an eye on Tricia when her husband, Jason, believed her to be having an affair with Jack, who was also teaching their son, Chase. Jack almost busted Cassie and Eryn watching his house, but Eryn saved the day. It turned out that Jack was innocent, and he and Eryn hooked up because of the case, and they were now practically inseparable. "At least something good came out of that fucked up case," Cassie mumbled.She also learned to like karate.
Somewhere in the dark, she could hear her name, she could feel her body shaking. A piercing pain in her head grew with intensity, forcing her eyes open. Confused for a moment, she scanned the dimly lit room, her bedroom. One hand gripped the comforter and the other instinctively moved to the sore spot on the side of her head. She fingered the bump and winced as a painful moan escaped her lips."Jesus, woman! You scared the shit out of me!" Randy quipped, shoving her hand away and covering the protruding welt with a bag of frozen peas.Confused, she scrunched her forehead, trying to recall what happened. Her eyes bulged as the image of a hooded man flew to the forefront of her memory. "There was a man in the woods. He was coming for me, and I don't remember." Tears escaped her eyes as she tried to recall what happened. Mooch leapt onto the bed and began profusely licking her face, ecstatic that she was ok. Plopping himself down beside her, he rested his head on her stomach."I
Eryn strolled into the barn around eleven in the morning. She found Cassie chilling in the tack room, with the music turned up, a beer in one hand, and Mooch on the receiving end of an ear scratch from the other hand. Mooch ditched Cassie to race up and greet his other mommy."Everything's done," Cassie said, reaching out to turn the music down. Eryn's hair looked like it hadn't seen a comb in days, and she had dark circles under her eyes. "You look like you could use a nap." "I'm wiped, but I feel awesome. I haven't felt this refreshed in a long time. It's amazing what a night of unbelievable sex can do." Eryn plopped into a chaise lounge and stared dreamily up at the ceiling. "I'm happy things are going well with Jack.""Me too." Eryn giggled."So, I guess I'm going to be working this weekend."Eryn swung to meet Cassie's gaze. "Why? I thought you didn't have to go in until Monday.""Gotta start on a case today." "Shitty."Cassie turned to Eryn, looking sheepish.
Randy didn't know Cassie took on an undercover gig, and if he found out, he would most definitely lose his shit in a volcanic manner. It wasn't like she wouldn't tell him, she totally would, just not yet.Tricia believed her husband disappeared because of his knowledge about a potential sex slave, and now there was missing money that Jenna believed to be Ryan's doing. Cassie could easily investigate Jason's disappearance while simultaneously checking out Ryan Seida on Jenna's behalf. It's a win-win situation.She'd let Randy in on everything first thing Monday morning. This way she had a head start on the case.The Seidas were obviously into some twisted shit. How twisted was the million-dollar question? Chills rippled down Cassie's spine. She probably won't be prepared for what's discovered. Working every angle to get at the truth was the only way. She needed to get into Ryan and Kathy's home to nose around a bit. To do that, she needed to cozy up to them.Pretending to be
The Seidas lived in a recently developed area of the city. Their house, the largest on the crescent, had a massive front window that spanned two floors and half the floor span in width. The front yard, immaculately landscaped, boasted a slate walkway lined with several matching oversized planters holding an array of tropical plants that had started to wither away in the chilled autumn air. The mini-mansion clearly defined just how wealthy the Seidas were by looking every bit as obnoxious as its owners. Cassie pursed her lips, raising a questioning brow as she recalled the missing money from the Slippery Pole. Why would Ryan steal money when they could clearly afford a lavish life? Eighty-thousand-dollars would be chump change to him. But if he didn't take the money, then who did?As she approached the front door, it swung open, and Kathy stood in the frame. "Welcome, Cassie," she exclaimed a little too jubilantly. "Come in!"Once inside, a glass of red appeared before Cassie, co
Just as she reached the door to leave, voices on the stairs stopped Cassie in her tracks. Kathy and Ryan were coming towards the bedroom. Panicking, she glanced towards Heaven to ask why, but her reflection in the mirrored ceiling mocked her, pointing out that she brought this situation on herself. Zipping into the closet, she dove into the clothes behind the door, praying they didn't discover her."I'm sure she just went home," Ryan said. "She did just work an eight-hour shift.""Well, that was rude. She didn't even say goodbye," Kathy sulked. "I so wanted to get to know her better.""No worries, my darling. I'm sure you'll get another chance." Kathy sighed dramatically. "I miss my girl." Cassie smirked, knowing it was Tricia that Kathy was referring to."I know, Baby. She made her choice; we should respect that. I know you're sad, but you'll find a new toy, just like I did."He did? Ummm. Cassie leaned in to focus on their voices. Was he referring to his slave?"I
Sunlight poured into Cassie's dreams, dragging her from the subconscious world. Opening her eyes, just a slit, she squinted against the first burn of light to hit her eyes. Still wrapped in Randy's embrace, she stretched her sleepy limbs, and her ears picked up on an irritating sound. Chewing. Bolting upright in bed, she searched her surroundings for the source. Gnawing and slopping filled the air, and it came from the floor beside her bed. Randy jerked awake. "What?" he said, sounding panicked."Shhh." Cassie cocked her head and then turned to lean over the edge of the bed, where Mooch sat, happily destroying the shoes from Hell. She giggled, admiring his handy work, thankful that the shoes would never be worn again. Scolding him seemed cruel, since he basically did her a favor. "Mooch is eating my shoes."Randy groaned and dropped back down, pulling the pillow over his face.Reaching into her nightstand, she retrieved a dog biscuit and held it up, waiting. Mooch looked up, h