Page 64 of This for That (The Edge of Retaliation 1)
She nods, looking at me. “You’re right; this is suspicious. We need to find Chase. We need information.”
“What about family members?”
“I’m looking into that, but it isn’t easy. There are so many people with that last name, it’s hard for me to say with certainty that anyone I’m looking at is related to him.”
“I’m sure you’ll find something; you’re incredible.”
“Either way, you’re definitely onto something. I’m curious now to find answers. I’m curious to know what happened to Celia.”
“Do you suppose her family still live here?” I ask.
Jo shrugs. “It’s possible. I mean, they might not have left town or anything. What do you want from her family?”
I bite my lip and meet her eyes. “I want to get into their house. I think it’ll have answers.”
Jo gasps, her mouth dropping open. “You can’t be serious. You can’t just waltz up there and introduce yourself. They know your face better than anyone.”
“You’re right, they do, which is why I’m not telling them I’m going.”
Jo’s eyes widen. “You’re going to break in?”
“Have you got any other ideas? Without Chase, we have no answers. We might not ever find him. Houses hold the best secrets. They’ve probably cleaned out Celia’s room by now, but even if they have, they wouldn’t have thrown her stuff away. At least, I wouldn’t think they would.”
“If her parents found something suspicious, they would have told someone.”
“Not if they didn’t find it. I know where girls hide things; they don’t. I need answers. I have a feeling those answers will be found at her house.”
Jo shakes her head. “It’s too risky. You could go back to prison.”
“Yeah, it is risky, which is why you’re going to keep a look out.”
“No, no way. Besides, her family probably has incredible security. You’ll never get in.”
I grin at her. “I learned a few things in prison.”
“Callie, no. This is the worst idea you’ve ever had.”
“Maybe it is,” I protest. “But it’s the only way I have any chance of getting answers. Nobody except Chase knows anything, and Chase is nowhere to be found. It could take months to find him. Right now, someone is out to make me pay. The sooner I can find answers, the better. Don’t you see that?”
She exhales. “This is dangerous, but I know you, and I know you’re going to do it. Even though it’s a huge risk. They won’t even want to talk to me, Callie. They probably hate me, too. I’m your friend, after all. They likely know who I am.”
“It’ll be okay. There is a chance they won’t know you. If they do, you can simply say you wanted to check in on them, make up some big story about how you’re suffering, too. They don’t blame you, Jo. They blame me.”
She shakes her head, running her hands through her hair. “This is so risky.”
“It is, but Jo, I really need your help.”
She sighs. “You don’t even have their address. You don’t even know their names.”
“No,” I say. “But Amber does.”
“Callie . . .”
“I’m doing this, with or without you. Celia has secrets buried; I’m going to dig them up.”
“Fine,” she huffs, crossing her arms. “But I think this is a really, really stupid idea. I just know you’re going to do it no matter what I say, and I’m not going to see you go back to prison, so I’ll help you.”
“You’re awesome.” I smile. “Thank you.”
She frowns. “This isn’t going to end well.”
No. She’s right; it probably won’t.
But I have to get answers.
I’m tired of waiting. I’m tired of being tormented. I’m tired of the world not knowing what really happened to Celia Yates.
It’s time to uncover the truth.
Once and for all.
“I HAVE TO GO TO WORK,” I murmur into Tanner’s chest, kissing the warm skin softly before pushing up to my hands and looking down at him. “Stop distracting me.”
He chuckles. “You’re the one who rolled over and fucked me like a wild woman. I was just sleeping. If you’re late, it’s your own fault.”
I snort. “I’m certain you weren’t complaining.”
He grins. “Oh, I wasn’t complaining.”
“Good. Now, I have to go before your sister decides that I’m not worth employing and throws me to the wolves.”
Tanner pushes up on his elbows and stares down at me, his eyes scanning over my body. “You could just call in sick, get back in this bed, and fuck me until night.”
I shake my head, trying to climb out, but he wraps his big arms around me and pulls me down, pressing his mouth into my neck and nuzzling me. He knows I love it when he nuzzles me. He knows how damned good it feels. I’m suddenly considering the option of calling in sick, especially when his hands slide down and cup my ass.
But no, I have to work.
“Stop it.” I laugh, shoving him back and climbing out of the bed before he can grab me again. “I’m serious, Tanner. I have to go to work.”
