Page 90 of Finding Lexie
“And I’m glad to now be your friend,” Elodie chimed in. “And if you ever get curious about what the hell is going on with Franklin, just say the word. There’s a guy who Scott and the rest of the guys know named Baker, who I am sure would love to look him up.”
“Yes!” Lexie exclaimed. “Midas told me about him. He lives up on the North Shore, right? He’s like a surfer dude?”
“He surfs, but…” Elodie lowered her voice until she was whispering, as if she were afraid someone would be listening to their conversation. “He’s also some sort of super spy or something.”
“I don’t think he’s a spy,” Lexie said with a frown.
“Okay, he’s not a spy, but he can get things done. He actually went to New York and had lunch with the head of the mob family that caused me so much trouble.”
“He did?” Lexie asked.
“Holy shit! Mobsters?” Ashlyn breathed.
“Yes. And he promised that I was safe. And for some reason, I believe him. It helped that Scott and the rest of the guys visibly relaxed when he told me that.”
“I’ll tell you the whole story about the mobsters later,” Lexie told Ashlyn in a stage whisper. Then louder, “Baker was able to get Shermake and his brother and sister scholarships to Somali universities,” Lexie said. “They won’t cover the entire cost of attending, but a lot of it.”
Elodie nodded. “I’m not surprised. Anyway, I’m sure he could find out what Franklin’s deal is.”
“Baker sounds kinda scary,” Ashlyn hedged.
“I haven’t met him,” Lexie said. “But he’s apparently got some pretty impressive connections.”
“I’ve met him. And he’s more mysterious than scary,” Elodie said. “But he’s totally got the surfer thing going. He’s tan, has tattoos all over, and he’s got longish hair. It’s mostly gray, so he’s like a silver fox surfer dude.”
Both Ashlyn and Lexie sighed.
“Right?” Elodie said. “I have no idea what his whole story is, but he’s definitely got demons. I mean, I owe the man everything for making sure no more hitmen would come after me, and he still kind of scares me. There’s something in his eyes that makes me want to keep my distance, while wanting to hug him at the same time.”
“Why is that such a lethal combination?” Ashlyn asked. “I mean, women in general should run from men like that, but instead we’re drawn to them like moths to a flame.”
“You interested?” Elodie asked.
“In this old surfer guy? No,” Ashlyn said firmly.
“I don’t think he’s old,” Lexie mused.
“So who are you interested in?” Elodie pushed.
“No one,” Ashlyn said, staring into her drink.
“Wait…so there is someone,” Elodie said cheerfully. “Who?”
“No one. I’m done with guys,” Ashlyn mumbled.
“But you said you missed sex,” Lexie teased. “We all know sex is possible with a vibrator, but it’s not nearly as good. Trust me, I know. When did you meet him? Come on, tell us!”
“I’ve only seen him once…” Ashlyn admitted.
“Spill!” Elodie exclaimed.
“If you can’t tell your best friends, who can you tell?” Lexie asked. The alcohol had loosened her tongue for sure. She felt extremely close to these women. Saying they were best friends was more wishful thinking than anything else.
“Slate.”
Elodie and Lexie stared at Ashlyn with wide eyes—then began screeching in excitement.
“Yes!” Elodie crowed.
