Page 4 of Smokey's Distraction
“It could’ve been someone else. Parking garages aren’t safe, especially when it’s late.”
“It washim.” She slumped down on the couch. “What should I do?”
“Drink a glass of wine. Mr. Elion would be a fucked-up idiot if he pulled something stupid like this. I’m sure he doesn’t want to go back to prison.”
“You don’t believe me,” she whispered.
“I’m not saying there wasn’t someone in the garage, but I’m pretty sure it wasn’t Jeffery Elion. You’re lucky you made it to your car in time. You should have security walk with you from now on.”
“Yeah.”
“Are you going to be all right?”
“I’m not sure.”
“Please don’t dwell on Mr. Elion’s release. He’s a thief and a liar, but he’s never exhibited any violence. For whatever it’s worth, I don’t think you have to worry about him coming after you.”
“I guess you’re right. Sorry I bothered you.”
“You didn’t,” Dave replied.
After hanging up, Ashley pushed up from the couch, kicked off her boots, and shuffled into the kitchen to pour herself a large glass of chardonnay. She guzzled it down and poured another before walking back into the living room.
I know what happened to me in the parking lot hadsomethingto do with Jeffery. If I hadn’t gotten to my car in time …Chills danced over her skin as the reality of what could have happened hit her.
She picked up the phone and clicked on Zach’s name.
“Ashley, what’s up?” he asked.
“I wanted to let you know that I’ll take the job in Pinewood Springs on the condition that I can leave as soon as possible.”
There was a slight pause, then Zach said, “This is good. I thought for sure you were going to sayno. Why the rush to head up there?”
“I want to get my bearings and spend a few days in Aspen to talk to a prospective client.”
Zach chuckled. “Like I said—all business. I don’t see a problem with you moving up there as long as you have everything in order before you go. We can talk tomorrow.”
“Perfect. I’ll see you in the morning.”
Ashley leaned her head against the cushion and rubbed her eyes. “As far as I’m concerned, I can’t leave Denver fast enough,” she muttered.
Working with a cocky playboy would be a cinch compared to dodging a parolee with a grudge.
She brought the wine glass to her lips and took a long drink.
1
Pinewood Springs,Colorado
A boxy-shaped man,whose hair had been shaved down to a little more than a brown skullcap, ran his leering eyes over her while licking his thick bottom lip.
“Ten bucks and ID.” His gaze rested on her breasts.
Standing inside the vestibule of Blue’s Belly, Ashley pulled out her wallet from a black leather clutch and took out two fives and her driver’s license. Bass-heavy rock-beats filtered to the front, and she craned her neck trying to get a glimpse of the stage. Behind her, more people joined the line.
“Who’re you here to see?” the bouncer asked, his eyes still on her chest.
“Raging Demons, and I’m uphere, buddy.”
