Chapter Sixteen
Ben
pulled out his wallet. He hated to end this dinner with Janelle, but he didn’t
mind ending the questions about his dad’s murder.
“This has been interesting.” Janelle stashed the notebook
back in her purse. “Is your dad’s office still cordoned off? I’d like to look
around tomorrow.”
“The sheriff is finished there, and no one has cleaned it
yet.” Ben stood. “Ready to go?”
Janelle nodded as she rose. “Thanks for the dinner, Ben.”
“I should thank you for your company.” He smiled, enjoying
her pretty face and petite stature, even in high heels.
After Ben paid for their meal, he drove Janelle to Thorne’s Bra and Girdle Company. Her Honda
was the only car left in the back parking lot. He parked his BMW beside it.
“Thanks again.” Janelle touched the handle, ready to get
out.
Ben turned off the engine. “Let me get your door.” He went
around and opened it, and they walked to her car. She got in and rolled down the
window.
He cleared his throat. “You know, I’m glad we got stuck in
that elevator after all. I enjoyed our time together, Janelle.” He wanted to
say more, but a sudden shyness overcame him.
She smiled up at him, her eyes lingering on his for a
moment. “I was glad to get to know you.” She started the Honda. “I’ll keep
working on the clues.”
Backing up the car, she gave him a wave and drove off.
Peace settled over him as he waved back. Janelle wasn’t
like most women. In fact, she wasn’t like any woman he knew. She didn’t stare
at him, try to seduce him, or talk about his money.
Not that he had any money to speak of since he inherited
his dad’s overwhelming debt. Ben sighed with the enormity he owed from Dad’s
credit cards and gambling losses.
As he walked back to his car, he felt—rather than saw—someone
brush against him on his right side, then his left. Something hard pressed
against his ribs as a gravelly voice spoke.
“Get in the car.”
* * *
Awesome!! Excitement, excitement!!
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