Page 28 of The Rose and the Hound (Ashes and Roses #2)
I fiddled with my phone and called out to the scurrying woman in front of me.
“Loretta Swan!”
She turned, her face moving into something that resembled recognition. She definitely knew me, which was an admission of guilt in my eyes.
“Who are you?” She feigned confusion.
“You know who I am. You’re coming with me now to clear things up with the police. Rose did nothing, and you know that. Come with me and we’ll sort it all out.”
“I have no idea what you’re talking about. Or who you are. If you know my daughter, you know that she’s troubled. I’m doing the best I can for her.” She held her head high in indignant anger.
“I know your daughter. And I know you. Did you honestly think I wouldn’t dig into your past before confronting you? I know you well enough to understand that you’d never do anything out of the goodness of your heart. Come with me now, or I’ll go on my own and talk about your little secret.”
I had no knowledge of any such secrets. I’d done a surface-level dive in her past as part of Rose’s background, but that was it. She was a gold-digging bitch, but that wasn’t illegal. My intuition told me this woman had a seedy past and present. The look on her face told me I was right.
“What kind of proof do you have?”
I winked. “I think you know that. And I think you know that confessing what you did to Rose will be minor in comparison with what I have to say.”
She shifted uncomfortably on her feet. “I don't know what you're talking about.”
I just stared at her and raised an eyebrow.
“Fine,” she snapped. “I'll meet you at the station.”
“No, you’ll come with me now. You’re not someone who inspires a great deal of trust, Loretta. You’re a shitty mother and a terrible human being. I think we both know that.”
She walked over close to me and began stroking my chest.
“I’ll come with you, but I’m sure we can work something out,” she purred.
I pulled back and pushed her hand away. This woman was repulsive.
“I think you’re overestimating your appeal, Loretta. Get in the car.” I motioned to my car, while pinning her with a sharp glare.
Thrusting her breasts out, she wandered over and waited for me to open her car door. Not happening.
“Get in. This isn’t a fucking chauffer service.” She huffed but climbed into the passenger side.
The ride to the police station was brutal. Loretta kept shimmying in her seat so her minidress would ride up her thighs, all the while lightly touching her cleavage. This woman was such a stereotype. It’s like she was a character written for a high-drama soap opera.
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“So, what do you have to tell me?” Detective Watson asked. She was an older woman, with an efficient and brusque style of interaction.
“I just wanted to say what a great job you’re doing on Rose’s case,” Loretta said, eyeing me seductively, as if it would change my mind.
“No, we’re here because Rose has not breached any of her conditions. I have Loretta on record admitting as much,” I stated, holding up my phone.
Loretta scowled and crossed her arms over her chest, probably annoyed that she couldn’t seduce me or the detective. She didn’t speak. Detective Watson looked at her expectantly, yet she remained mute.
I cleared my throat. “Okay, well if Loretta won’t admit to anything, I’d like to report something of my own. A few years ago—”
“Fine, fine,” Loretta snapped. “Rose needs help, whether she wants to admit it or not. I just did some things to push that along. She doesn’t belong out here. She’s a danger to herself and others.”
“What ‘things’ did you do, Ms. Swan?” Detective Watson asked sharply. She didn’t look surprised, just angry and irritated.
Loretta looked down at her hands. “Well, I may have sent some messages and gifts to Blake Evans and Vince Conti.”
“That is a crime, Ms. Swan. And a complete waste of our time and resources. Stay here.”
The detective rose and left the room. I wasn’t sure what would come next, but no way was I leaving until Loretta had spilled the beans.
I’m coming for you, my Zahra. Please forgive me.