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

“If I’m cranky tomorrow, it’s your fault.”

Mason yelled back. “I’ll take the risk.” Smiling, he couldn’t help himself and yelled again. “There’s extra blankets in the closet if a ghost takes yours.”

“Red…”

Laughing, Mason dropped his robe and got in the shower.

**

Mason knocked on the apartment door and waited.

Trick stood beside him, yawned, and leaned against the wall. “Morrow’s probably at work. We should have called first.”

Mason knocked again. “I prefer the surprise visit. If this guy did have something to do with Lydia’s death, I’d rather not give him time to prepare.”

“If he did kill Lydia, I’d hope he’d be expecting a visit like this. Guy should have his story ready by now. Besides, I like for them to sweat if they know we’re coming. Messes with their heads.”

“Maybe so…” Mason knocked again. “I guess we’ll have to come back later.”

A door down from Morrow’s opened and a woman stepped out, wearing a fitted blue suit that stopped just above her knees and emphasized her narrow frame and full cleavage. Her smooth blonde hair blew softly and grazed her cheeks. Closing her door, she spotted them and smiled. “You looking for Kyle?” she asked.

Trick straightened and smiled back. “Yes, ma’am.” His gaze didn’t hide his appraisal of her. “You know where he might be?”

She locked her door, swung her purse over her shoulder and walked over. Her gaze met Trick’s, who stood in his jeans, boots, and cowboy hat, and she appraised him, as well. “I just might, Cowboy.” Her mouth crooked up. “Where you two from?” She studied Mason, who also wore his cowboy hat and boots. “Obviously not around here.”

“The great state of Texas, ma’am,” said Trick, tipping his hat at her.

Mason almost groaned.

“I like Texas,” she said. “Hot, though.” She fanned herself, but held Trick’s gaze.

“You’re beautiful enough to be from Texas, ma’am, if you don’t mind me saying so.” Trick took his hat off.

She fiddled with the strap of her purse. “I don’t mind at all.” Her cheeks turned pink.

Mason tried to get back to why they were there. “Do you know Kyle, Mrs.…” He waited.

She never took her eyes off Trick. “Miss…,” she said. “Monica Renfro.” She held out her hand and Trick took it. “Nice to meet you.”

“You, too, Monica,” said Trick. He introduced himself and Mason, and finally let go of her hand.

“Kyle’s a friend,” she said. “We occasionally…uhm…hang out.” She paused. “He’s at work though. Probably be back around four.”

There was a moment of quiet as Trick and Monica stared at each other. Mason half-expected Trick to reach down for a piece of grass and start chewing on it. “I guess we’ll come back later than,” said Mason, raising a brow at Trick.

“Guess so,” said Trick.

“Listen, just in case he doesn’t,” Monica pulled her purse around and dug through it, “and you need to find him,” she pulled out a card, “just call me.” She handed the card to Trick. “Anytime.” Her cheeks turned redder, and she smiled sheepishly.

“Thanks, Monica. I’ll do that,” said Trick. He took out his wallet, added her card, and pulled out his own. “And if for any reason you need to reach us, here’s my number.”

“Thanks,” said Monica, taking the card. “I’ll hold onto it.”

“I hope so,” said Trick.

“I better go,” said Monica. She stepped between the two of them and waved. “Good luck in your search.” She giggled. “Maybe I’ll see you around sometime.”

“I think you will,” said Trick. “You have a nice day, Monica.” He put his hat back on and winked at her.

Mason half-expected Monica to trip over the stairs, but she managed to find her footing and waved again. “See you.”

“See you,” said Trick.

Mason and Trick watched her walk away. “What the hell are you doing?” asked Mason, as Monica made it to her car and got in.

Trick grinned. “What do you think I’m doing?” He raised a hand as Monica drove off. “That’s a pretty lady.”

“You’re not here to date,” said Mason. “We’ve got things to do.”

Trick crossed his arms. “I know that, but she’s friends with Morrow. Can’t hurt to see what she knows.”

“You think Morrow confided in his neighbor and told her he killed Lydia?”

Trick shrugged. “Maybe. Can’t be sure till we ask. She may tell us something Kyle doesn’t. It’s worth a shot, don’t you think?”

Mason adjusted his hat. “Doesn’t hurt you either, does it?”

Trick cocked his head. “You’re just mad she wasn’t looking at you.” He turned and headed down the sidewalk.

Mason followed. “She’s not my type.”

Trick looked back. “Who exactly is?”

They got to the car, and Mason went to the driver’s side. “Depends. It’s not about one thing with a woman. It’s about her energy.” He opened the door and slid in.

Trick got into the passenger seat and closed the door. “Gorgeous legs don’t hurt either.” He tapped his knee with his hand. “Did you happen to see Monica’s?”

Mason checked his phone. “I did.”

Trick grinned. “See. You were looking.”

Mason put the phone down. “I’m not dead.” He thought for a second. “How about we grab some food, then head over to talk to Bevins and Winkler. We’ll stop by here again on the way home.”

Trick nodded. “Sounds good. Maybe somewhere along the way, I’ll call Monica.” He took off his hat. “Make a date.”

Mason smirked at his friend, started the car, and drove off.

**

Mikey sat at the sandwich shop and sipped some coffee. After spending the morning trying to find out more about Kyle Morrow, Bradley, any possible insurance policies, and checking into Cissy’s background, she decided to head out, get some fresh air, and check out the bookstore where Cissy had worked. She’d thought about calling, but Mason had told her that sometimes, a face-to-face interview was better. It was easy for people to dodge questions on a phone call, but harder to do it in person, and you could read their body language.

After stopping in, she’d learned from the man behind the counter that he was new and didn’t know Cissy, but that another employee