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“You’re not from around here, are you?”

“Grew up close but went away for a long time. Been back close to a year.”

“I’ll break it down for you. My best friend, Maren, was set to marry that fiddle-dick. She found out he was cheating on her forever, with people we knew. She broke it off. He blames me, saying I’m a bad influence and it was my fault. He can’t stand the fact he was caught.”

I cross my arms, curious how she fits into this. “Why would he blame you?”

“Because I’ve hated him since college and took every opportunity to try to open Maren’s eyes. She finally wised up on her own, but he can’t stomach the fact that she is better off without him. Hence, he’s punishing me.”

“Punishing?”

“Yeah, the other night, we went out to dinner, and he happened to be at the bar. He was drunk, and before the night was over, he came to our table and caused a scene. He was escorted out. When Maren and I got to my car, this is what we found.”

I walk around the entire vehicle, snapping a few pictures on my phone. Now, I understand why it’s going to take so much money. The whole car will need to be repainted.

“A few of those guys in the station went to school with me. Some of them like to refer to me as dramatic. I prefer passionate. This car is my baby, and everyone knows it. This is Carlton’s way of getting back at me.”

“Keying a car is mostly reserved for teenagers and juveniles.”

“Exactly! Carlton is juvenile!”

“Have you spoken to your insurance company?”

“Yes, that’s why I’m here today. Limp-dick needs to pay for this, or else, my premiums are going to skyrocket, and I may lose my insurance.”

It’s on the tip of my tongue to argue that insurance generally doesn’t drop you after one claim, but seeing her spirit, I assume this isn’t her first claim.

“Did you tell Oliver this?”

“He didn’t give me a chance. He tried to placate me the instant I mentioned Carlton.”

I stand beside her, crossing my arms, and survey the damage. If this was my car, and the situation was reversed, Carlton Breen would undoubtedly have his ass kicked.

“I’ll look into it.”

“Arggg! All of you are alike! You think I’m being overdramatic!” She throws her arms in the air, her voice escalating.

I bite my tongue to stop from grinning as her fiery spirit from earlier returns.

“No, Emerson.” I reach to clasp her wrist gently. She snaps her face to mine. “I’m not like anyone else. When I say I’ll do something, it’s my word, and I’m telling you, I’ll look into it.”

Her face softens. “Really?”

“Yes. I’m headed out of town for the weekend, but when I get back on Monday, I’ll make some calls.”

The air between us starts to buzz, and she nibbles on her lower lip, lowering her eyes to where I’m still holding her wrist.

“Can I give you my number so you can call me when you find something?”

Without answering, I hand her my phone. “Put it in.”

She tugs her hand free and does as I ask, a small smile forming on her lips. When she hands it back, she opens her door and slides inside. “Thank you, Detective Scott. I hope to hear from you.”

I step back, watching her back out and drive away. When she turns the corner, I look at my screen and see she’s entered her number and left me a message.

My friends call me Emi.

“Emi,” rolls off my tongue, and I tap my phone in my hand. I make a mental note to myself; I’m going to make it my business to find out more about Emerson Baker.