Page 49 of Kiss of Deceit

“Why?”

“I’ll walk you home.”

Déjà vu hit me, and I blew out a light laugh. “That’s exactly what Tristin said.”

Kole scowled. “You think I’d hurt you?”

“No.” I turned around, stepping closer. “But I can give you the same answer. I’m fine. You said it yourself—I can fight.”

“That was before the bastard was choking you,” he shot back. “Clearly, youcan’thandle yourself. You’re not walking alone at night.”

I tilted my head. “Worried about me?”

“Worried enough that I don’t want you dead.” He snapped his mouth closed as if he hadn’t meant to say that. “Don’t leave by yourself.”

I didn’t bother arguing with him. I had no intention of telling him when I was leaving, but for right now I was content to stay here. The little white lie I told Adella earlier rang in my head. I wasn’t here for a drink.

Many people came in here after work, and I wanted to spend more time watching who could be a suspect.

Stirring my drink, I wandered near the tables, pretending to be interested in the football game that was on the large flat screens. It was nearly impossible to move through the crowd without touching someone, but most didn’t even notice. Some were drunk, while others were focused on the game. Both pool tables were being used, along with the dart board.

I’d heard a couple conversations talking about the murder, but for the most part it was almost like a regular night. Was it because she was an intern and none of the locals knew her?

“Dani.” Miles slipped between the two guys who were yelling at the TV, giving me a small smile. “I didn’t know you were coming here tonight.”

“What else is there to do at night here?”

He laughed, but it didn’t reach his eyes. “How are you? Are things crazy at work?”

“I could ask you the same.” I rested against the back wall, near the pool tables, and Miles stood next to me, his arm brushing against mine. “Jillian worked at the clinic.”

He nodded. “I didn’t know her since she worked in a different area, but yeah. Her death was all anyone talked about today. Vern is especially torn up about it.”

That got my attention. “Vern?”

He hesitated, not looking me in the eye. “I shouldn’t have said anything. He was friends with her, that’s all.”

Lies.Other than not meeting my stare, he was fidgeting with his beer and acting like he was interested in the game when I knew for a fact that he didn’t enjoy watching sports. We didn’t have Miles come to the station since he didn’t work in the same department as Jillian. That was a mistake.

“Miles,” I started gently, “we need to talk to everyone that Jillian knew. No one is in trouble, but if Vern was close to her, then we have to talk to him.”

He ran a hand through his hair. “I don’t think he saw her out of work.”

Whatever Jillian was doing with Vern, I had a feeling it wasn’t work appropriate. Though, it could be just workplace rumors. But I’d have to bring this up to Natalie tomorrow when I got to the office.

Someone called Miles’ name, and I spotted a table full of interns. Unlike all the locals, most of them had solemn expressions. I recognized a few of them, noticing they all worked at the clinic like Miles.

“Come sit with us,” Miles said, nodding toward the table.

“Thanks, but I’m not staying much longer,” I replied. “I’ll see you later.”

He looked like he was about to argue but just strode away to join his friends. I stayed leaning against the wall, scanning the crowd. Loud cheers exploded when a team scored a touchdown. The group around the pool tables were yelling and jeering as someone lined up a shot. A shiver ran down my spine as I searched for anyone who seemed out of place. Someone in herecould have been the one who killed Jillian. I was living proof that someone who looked and acted normal was capable of horrific things.

“Finish it.”

The words were quiet, but clear as day, making me freeze. I snapped my head to the side, and then looked the other way, trying to find where the voice came from. My stomach clenched in knots, and I squeezed my glass tightly.

“No, no, no,” I breathed out as my memories invaded my thoughts.