Page 24 of Roughing
“Now you’re friends?” Everly’s shock was obvious.
“Yes, friends. That’s all.”
Aspen and Everly exchanged knowing glances, and I bristled.
“We’ve all been there, and trust me, the just-friends thing won’t last.” Aspen shifted her gaze to Everly, who nodded her agreement.
I opened my mouth to deny Aspen’s claim, but she was probably right. Our forced mutual celibacy wouldn’t last. Then what? Would I walk away once again? I had to, and I knew it. Briggs wasn’t good for me. The man had demons and wasn’t interested in exorcising them.
“He’s not right for me. I’m looking for a guy who’s kind, laid-back, treats me like a princess, and opens up his soul to mine.”
“That doesn’t sound like Briggs.” Aspen looked to Everly for clarification, who nodded.
“I’ve heard he’s making an effort to fit in and not divide the team.” Everly didn’t say who she’d heard these rumors from, but she didn’t have to. She was the captain’s girlfriend.
“I’m happy for him.” I tried to sound nonchalant, but I didn’t carry it off quite well enough.
Both of my friends’ gazes had swiveled to the doorway, and they’d forgotten all about me.
“Oh. My. God.” Aspen’s hands flew to her mouth, and she turned white as if she’d seen a ghost. She dropped what she was doing and ran toward the door. Leila let out a scream and followed her while Everly hurried along behind. I turned, curious about what had them so excited.
A small, slight teenager who’d seen far better days stood in the doorway of the Uni. Desmond was fussing over her as the others approached.
My innate curiosity got the best of me, and I joined the group. On closer inspection, I recognized this girl as someone who came into the Uni frequently. I didn’t know her well, but I’d met her a few times previously.
“Heidi, are you okay?” Aspen approached gingerly and stopped a few feet away.
Heidi was so tiny she could be mistaken for a teenager, but she was probably early to mid-twenties. I couldn’t tell. Her clothes hung limply on a slight body that was mostly skin and bones. She had a black eye and various bruises on her face, and angry red lines circled her wrists as if she’d been tied up. My interest was piqued, and I moved closer to listen. This poor girl had been through some tough times.
“I’m okay.” She spoke so quietly I strained to make out the words.
Aspen no longer held back and threw her arms around her, as did Leila and Everly, for a group hug. I watched awkwardly. My gaze slid to Desmond, and our eyes met. He sidestepped over to me and whispered in my ear.
“Heidi’s been missing since the Christmas holidays. Everyone’s been worried about her. She’s sent a few texts, but we questioned whether or not she sent them. I was sick with fear that she might’ve met up with the Rose City Killer.”
“She looks like she’s met up with someone, and not in a good way.”
His head bobbed in agreement. “She’s in rough shape, but that also comes with the territory in her line of work.”
He didn’t have to spell things out. I knew immediately what line of work he was referring to. Heidi was a paid escort.
“Where’ve you been?”
“Are you okay?”
“What happened?”
The three women peppered a confused Heidi with questions. She stared back at them and said nothing, but the defeated slump of her body said it all. Desmond stepped forward and put an arm around Heidi’s waist.
“Ladies, let’s calm down and give her some breathing room. In your enthusiasm, you’re overwhelming the poor girl.”
The three looked justifiably chastised and offered their apologies.
“That’s okay.” Heidi mustered a lackluster smile, and Desmond escorted her to a chair and helped her sit down.
“Get her some water, please.”
Grateful to help in some manner, I jumped on his request and hustled to the old fridge in a side room. I hurried back with a bottle of water. Heidi took it and gulped half of the bottle.
