Total pages in book: 99
Estimated words: 95520 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 478(@200wpm)___ 382(@250wpm)___ 318(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 95520 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 478(@200wpm)___ 382(@250wpm)___ 318(@300wpm)
I’ve been thinking about what my dad would say. I fucked up. However, it’s not that I’ve fucked up, it’s what I’ve learned from it all.
Zahirah and I were so young when all that tragedy struck. I can’t blame her for walking away. I wasn’t handling my shit well.
I should have tucked some of that away like she was doing for me. That’s where I failed. I couldn’t find the words to tell her I was hurting too much to be the man she needed, and that was scaring the shit out of me.
My compass was gone, and I was dragging us both down, looking for a new direction. In Vegas, I fucked up because I tried to move forward without showing her I’m not the same man.
I’ve grown. The alcohol didn’t allow me to prove that. However, I know I’m a different man than the broken one she walked out on in college.
“I’m going to go, but there is something I thought I should tell you. It’s about the PI.”
This gets my full attention. I had told her to terminate his services. If Zahirah doesn’t want to be found, I’m going to respect that.
“What about him?”
“He wanted you to know there’s another PI looking into her. He said he did track down who the guy is and who he’s working for, if you want to know.
“Boss, none of this is any of my business, but my gut isn’t sitting right with this. Please contact him and get all the information. I personally don’t know how I feel about Miss Nickels because I’ve come to see you like a brother.
“I can be a little overprotective of you at times, but you’re clearly in love with her. From the sound of Fred’s voice, you’re going to want whatever information he has. Call him.” With that, she stands and leaves.
Sarah has been one of the best things to happen to me since my rookie year. She keeps me and my life going. I trust her.
That’s why I pull my phone and dial Fred right away. My mind is racing. Who else could be looking into Zah and why?
“Fred here, talk to me,” my PI answers the phone.
“Hey, this is Coswell.”
“Hey, buddy. I’m glad you called. You know us PIs have a certain way we move. If you’ve been in the business long enough or if you’re any good, you can spot another investigator without a problem.
“I noticed the guy my first week in. Naturally, I was curious about him. I also wanted to keep an eye on him to see if he could lead me to Miss Nickels and cut out some of the work.
“His name is Hudson Willis. He works for the Manning family. You and Miss Nickels went to school with Gilbert Manning, am I right?”
“Yeah, we did. He was a buddy of mine once.”
Fred gives a long whistle. “Glad you moved on to better friends. Listen, from what I gather, Manning is trying to find Miss Nickels himself. I had been working on finding out why, but then your assistant called to cancel the job.
“I can back off if you like. However, after digging into Manning, I see he’s a piece of work. I wouldn’t want him sniffing around anyone I care about.”
I bite my fist. I should let this go. Zahirah is a grown woman. I have no right to interfere in her life.
“Fuck that. Keep an eye on them. If you find her, it’s not my business where she is. The new priority is her safety. If that’s not your thing, I’ll hire someone else.”
“Anything can be my thing for the right price. I’ll even give you a discount because my Spidey senses have been going off with this one.”
I snort. “Name your price,” I say and hang up.
It only takes a few minutes for him to text me his number. I make the wire transfer and scrub a hand up and down my face. I’ve been away from home for too long.
“Garret,” I call through the house, knowing he’s somewhere around.
He comes into my office, stuffing his face with a sandwich. I shake my head. Dad would be happy Garret ended up with me instead of going into the military. Turns out my brother makes one hell of an agent.
That was money well spent. My mom is happy, my business is always looked after, and I have a constant voice of reason. I know I’ve loved having him by my side.
“What’s up?” he asks through a mouth full of food.
“I think it’s time we start looking into going home. I’ll be a free agent going into season after next. See if you can quietly put out some feelers, nothing official, just bullshit talk with your buddies for now.”
“This have anything to do with Zah? I thought you were walking away,” he says and lifts a brow.