Lost Souls by J. Bishop (the giving tree read aloud txt) 📗

Mikey shook her head, exasperated. “We are not dating. We are just friends.”

“Famous last words,” said Trick, finishing his soda. “If you ever do date him though, just keep in mind, a cop’s hours suck, and you’ll spend every day worrying about whether he’s coming home.” He opened a fortune cookie.

“Sounds like you have some experience,” said Mikey. “There’s no one special in your life?”

Trick didn’t answer, and Mason broke the silence. “I think the smart thing would be to warn Remalla about you.” He pointed. “If anyone needs to worry, it’s him.”

Mikey smirked. “Ha ha. Very funny. But I keep telling you. We’re just friends.”

Mason rubbed his neck and yawned. “For now.”

“Mason─” Mikey’s phone rang, and she picked it up. “It’s Rem.”

“Speak of the devil,” said Trick.

Mikey rolled her eyes and answered. “Hey, Rem.”

Rem’s voice traveled over the line. “Hey. I got some info on your Kyle Morrow you might find interesting. And a few things on Bradley Stanford.”

“Great.” Mikey grabbed her notebook. “What is it?”

Rem filled her in on what he’d learned, and Mikey wrote it down. Mason and Trick waited until Mikey thanked Rem, he told her to be careful, and hung up.

“Well, what is it?” asked Mason. “Don’t keep us in suspense.”

Mikey reread the notes. “Bradley has indeed been in and out of prison, but only one incident was violent. He got charged for assault after a bar fight. He’s done time for the other things I mentioned, plus did a stint in rehab. Bradley was right about Kyle, too. Lydia took out a restraining order against him after an altercation at her home. Police showed and arrested Kyle, but they dropped the charges after Lydia refused to prosecute.”

“Well, well, well,” said Trick. He regarded Mason. “What do you think about that?”

Mikey recalled what else Rem had mentioned. “Rem also said that Bevins and Winkler are willing to meet with you guys. Said you could stop by tomorrow after twelve. He’ll text you the address to the station.”

Mason fiddled with the small paper with his fortune on it. “Looks like we’ve got some more people to talk to, and another busy day ahead of us.” He offered Mikey a dubious look. “Did Rem happen to give you─”

“─Morrow’s address?” asked Mikey. She waved the notebook. “Got it right here.”

Mason sipped from his water. “I owe Remalla a big drink.”

“Get him a steak, too. He’ll love that,” said Mikey. She reached for a cookie.

Trick waved his fortune. “Looks like my luck is changing.” He read from the paper. “It says ‘A pleasant surprise is waiting for you.’” He smiled. “Maybe it’s Kyle or Bradley.” He stood. “Be right back. Gonna use the facilities.” He left the table and headed for the bathroom.

Mikey read hers and chuckled.

“What’s it say?” asked Mason.

“You’ll love it. It says ‘An important person will offer you support.’”

“Important, huh? That’s one word for it,” said Mason.

Mikey rolled her eyes again. “If you weren’t my brother...” Mason held his own fortune, and Mikey leaned in. “What does yours say?”

Mason looked at it, and handed it to her. Mikey read it out loud. “A dubious friend may be an enemy in camouflage.” She frowned, an uncomfortable chill running up her spine. “Let’s hope that’s not true.”

Mason shifted and rested his head back. “Let’s hope.”

Chapter Fourteen

Later that night, Mason yawned and sat up on the couch, his mind dull and weary. He’d tried to lie down after Mikey had left, but couldn’t relax. Unsettling images of dead Chad and Lydia from their interview with Cissy swam in and out of his head and then, after dozing, he’d dreamt of his mother and had startled awake. Hearing a car door close, he stood and opened the front door as Trick walked in with groceries. Mason closed the door behind him, noting the number of bags. “How long do you plan on staying? Should I prepare some paperwork for you to sign?”

Trick snickered. “You need food, Red. Real food. And something to drink. It’s bad enough you don’t have a TV, but my stomach doesn’t have to suffer, too.” He opened a bag. “Did you get some sleep?”

Mason recalled the dream of his mother. “No. Not really. Couldn’t settle.”

“I can’t imagine why not. Between you and your spooky companions, I’m surprised you sleep at all.”

Mason watched him put away beans, tortillas, and jalapenos. He shook his head. “Did you have enough money?”

Trick pulled out some taco shells. “I’m not completely destitute.”

Mason eyed the time. “I’m going to take a shower and go to bed early. Hopefully, I can sleep and we can start fresh tomorrow.”

Trick waved the box of shells. “I bought stuff for tacos. You want them tonight or tomorrow?”

“Let’s save them for tomorrow, when I can appreciate them more.”

“Will do.” Trick held up a couple of six-packs. “We can have these with them.”

Mason almost chuckled. “You’re missing Texas, I see.”

“I’m missing Texas food, that’s for damn sure.” He pulled out some shredded cheese and salsa. “I bought plenty, so if you want to invite Mikey and even those detective friends of yours, that’s fine. We owe them.”

Mason nodded. “It’s a good idea. I’ll let Mikey know.” He covered a yawn. “I’m calling it a night. Feel free to hang out, but keep the music down, will you?”

“Sure thing. I’ll sit out on your patio, make a few phone calls. I won’t be up late, though.”

Mason nodded. “Let’s plan on visiting Lydia’s ex in the morning, and then hit Bevins and Winkler in the afternoon. Sound good?”

“Sounds good.”

Mason spotted a box of brownie mix Trick removed from a bag, and shook his head.

“Hey,” said Trick, holding the box.

“No brownies for me tonight,” said Mason, with a wave.

Trick put the box down. “Not that. I just wanted to thank you. You’re putting up with a lot, and this is taking more time than you thought, and I’m sort of a thorn in your side.”

“Not a thorn. More like an annoying, festering splinter.”

The side of Trick’s lip rose. “I