Murder in the Magic City: A Micah Brantley Story by G.P. Sorrells (ebook reader computer TXT) 📗

people he had interviewed, interrogated, and arrested over the many years of his storied career. But nothing about anyone at a crematorium or an aquatic center. Though, that wasn’t all too surprising given her newfound knowledge.

He didn’t seem surprised to find out about them. These other deaths, maybe murders, that may or may not have something to do with everything else that’s been going on. It’s only a text, she thought, but his manner of speaking was consistent with his jokes. Almost like he was trying to tell me something. And is still trying to.

Chapter 52

Micah strolled into the Cherry Popper, his mind on something vastly different from every other horny soul within those sad, four walls. Something in the deep recesses of his mind pushed and pulled at the thoughts careening about, vying for his complete attention. The thought was hazy at first, like the thin strand of something important, but not considered in so long that it slowly fades, eventually resembling something quite different from what it was originally. A once coherent thought was now a jumbled mess of memories, none of which made sense. He tried desperately to appear calm, to give off the impression that nothing outside of the ordinary had taken place recently. That the events of the past few hours were really setting him down this confusing path.

Had he just pushed a stranger out of a window with enough force to kill him? Perhaps, but it was just as likely that the guy would wind up with a sore back. Or something a bit more painful. Paralysis wasn’t out of the question. It wasn’t quite how the situation had played out in his mind when he had drawn up his plan of attack, but Micah always knew the possibility existed for things to take a sharp turn Southward. Some way or another, life forced matters down the least desirable road.

Now Micah dealt with thoughts and feelings that didn’t seem to belong to him. Almost as though his mind had normally existed within the fleshy carapace of another, and he was only borrowing it for a while.

I’ve got to do something about Castillo. He needs to pay for what he’s done. That much was certain. Micah could never forgive him for the horror inflicted upon Valerie at Castillo’s command. But, strangely, that didn’t seem to be the driving factor behind his rage. Behind his desire to end the life of the man who had caused so much pain to the woman he loved.

The thought became clearer the more frequently it announced itself.

Emma… I’m sorry, Emma. I’m so sorry, sweetheart. Micah felt himself choke up, tears threatening to pour out without a moment’s notice. He pinched his brow and squinted hard, hoping to force the terrible feeling deep into the pit of his stomach. All the discomfort dissipated when Micah locked eyes with Citron. She had just finished a set and, after whispering something to an adoring fan with his wallet open wide enough to see the wad of bills within, she walked over to the bar.

“Hey stranger,” Citron said as Micah approached.

“Can I buy you a drink?” Micah asked, his tone playful, though his eyes told a far different story.

“Where I come from, you never say no to something free.” Citron stole a glance at her admirer near the stage, returning with a grimace. “Well, almost never.”

“Two rum and cokes.” Micah placed a few bills on the bar top and returned his gaze to Citron. “Feel like finishing where we left off?”

“I’m willing to do just about anything to get the hell away from Mr. Googly Eyes for a while.”

#

“So, let me get this straight,” Citron said, a finger raised as she attempted to contain the shock she felt. “Rather than having me all to yourself, you want to set me up with a friend?”

“Yea, I know it sounds crazy,” Micah said, looking away from her. “I’d love to cut him out of the equation all together.”

“Then do it.”

“But the guy has had some horrible luck with women lately. It’s honestly kind of sad watching him just get turned down left and right with no sort of light at the end of the tunnel.” Micah rested his head in his hands. “I just want to help him out. Let him see that there’s still hope. Even if it’s not the real thing, maybe it’ll at least get his mind in the right place.”

Citron placed a hand on Micah’s thigh, gripping lightly. “That’s sweet of you.”

“Do you think you can help me out?”

“On one condition.”

“That being.”

Citron moved from her seat into Micah’s lap in one fluid motion, straddling him like a horse. “I think you know.”

Micah felt himself blush. The offer was tempting, but he cared too much about Valerie to make that sort of move. Nothing wrong with a little insinuation, though. He placed each of his hands onto Citron’s shoulders and stared into her eyes. “Take care of my friend first, and I’ll repay the favor.”

“You’re no fun,” Citron said, pretending to pout.

“Yea, I get that a lot.”

Chapter 53

Castillo flung his door open without a care in the world. The bombshell on his arm was all his drunken mind had focused on. In his mind, whatever damage the door may have done to the wall it had careened into was a problem for another day. One which promised to be far less intriguing than the present situation had turned out to be. He closed the door with his foot as he followed Citron like a lost puppy through the entryway of his upscale condominium. Castillo watched as she walked over to the middle of the living room.

Citron looked around in wonder at the walls, adorned with multiple paintings worth more than her car. It was a bit to take in, but hardly the first time she had found herself in such a situation. Maybe this time I can get something lasting out of the arrangement, she