Page 29 of Rascal

I’d thought it was uncanny when I first saw it, but once it was cleaned up, it sent shivers down my spine. The image and I were identical. I peered closer at the picture. “I can’t tell that’s not me. If I didn’t have the bruising, I’d think it was me,” I admitted.

“It’s surreal.”

“Hallie. This is probably the culprit who stabbed Shane,” Harry drawled.

“The thought crossed my mind. But as she’s nothing to do with me, Shane is the one who set this up. But why? If I wasn’t enough for him, why didn’t he end things between us? Why go to this elaborate scheme? That’s what I can’t understand,” I replied.

“Maybe we should arrange a mediation,” Harry suggested, and I shook my head.

“Hell no. That would tip him off that we’re onto him. Leave it for now. When can you spring me from here?”

“Soon. You’re not leaving until we’ve two guards on you and the house is protected. Kingston is there handling all that. The house is furnished, and King has the hotel packing up your belongings for a small bonus. We’re going to minimise the risks to you. You’re not invincible, despite what you think.”

“I hit lucky finding you,” I murmured, and Harry laughed.

“Hallie, you’re padding my retirement fund very well.”

Rascal

“Hey, there’s a woman here to see you,” Sailor called, and I glanced up.

“Who?”

“Says the matter concerns Hallie,” Sailor stated. I swapped glances with Bear and Chance.

“Bring her in,” Chance ordered. Sailor nodded and opened the door. It took a few moments before I recognised her.

“Elise?” I asked, unsure.

“Hi, Shane!” Elise replied.

“This was Hallie’s best friend. She testified against Hallie,” I explained.

“That’s why I’m here. The state attorney wants to talk to me, and I’m scared,” Elise answered.

“Just give him your testimony again,” I responded, not seeing the big deal about it.

“It’s not that easy,” Elise said, and I was confused.

“You lied on the stand. Perjured yourself.” Chance grasped what Elise wasn’t saying quicker than I did.

“No!” I gasped. “Elise, what did you lie about?”

Elise looked away and then returned her gaze to me. “I did it for you!”

“Did what?” I roared.

“They asked if Hallie told me she was going to the mall and if she had sent me a picture from there,” Elise mumbled.

“I remember; you said no on both counts,” I replied through stiff lips. “What weren’t you telling the truth about?”

“Hallie had told me, and she forwarded me a photograph of some cufflinks for you,” Elise admitted miserably.

“You’re fuckin’ kidding me? What time did Hallie send it?”

“Three p.m.”

I closed my eyes. Smack bang in the middle of the stabbing.