Steal My Breath (Elixir 1)

“I feel frustrated that this investigation is going nowhere.” I park the car and exit it, meeting her on the other side. “It’s been weeks and I’m no closer to figuring anything out.”

She cocks her head and frowns. “How are you doing, really? It’s been two weeks since the break-up and I’ve been a bad friend this past week. Are you still consuming mass quantities of cheese and Harvey?”

I laugh. “What makes you think I’ve been consuming mass quantities of Harvey?”

“Suits is your go-to TV show when you’re depressed and I know it’s only for Harvey.”

“For your information, I’m weaning myself off the cheese but I’m reserving the right not to give up Harvey yet.”

“Well, there’s always Harvey rehab if this gets out of hand.”

“And what is Harvey rehab?”

Her eyes twinkle. “It involves copious amounts of alcohol, dancing and hot guys.”

I can’t even imagine checking out another man let alone dancing with one.

“I think I’ll stick with Harvey for a while, A.”

She gives me a sad smile and nods. “Yeah, I know,” she says softly. Then she jerks her chin at the motel. “Let’s do this so we can move onto the best part of today.”

I promised her we’d head to a bar after this for drinks and a catch up. I just hope it doesn’t descend into a night of talking about Luke. I haven’t seen or spoken to him since that Tuesday night and with each passing day, it’s only getting harder, not easier.

I know Luke Hardy is going to be a man that’s hard to move on from.

* * *

Louise isn’t on shift today so we’re stuck talking to a woman named Amanda. After spending five minutes with her, I decide she’s as cagey as Louise. It’s clear she’s nervous about discussing the murder by the way her eyes avoid mine. Just like Louise.

“Look, Amanda,” I say in frustration after she continues fobbing us off, “I’ve got enough to take to the police now. I know Louise wasn’t actually working on the day of the murder and once the police hear this, they’ll be all over her. But I’d rather just talk to Louise and get her side of the story. You need to tell her this for me because I can’t seem to catch her here lately.”

Her eyes widen. “Why can’t you just leave her alone? She’s going through stuff you wouldn’t even believe and this is the last thing she needs.”

“I just want to talk to her about it. It won’t take long and then she can get back to dealing with whatever she’s got going on.”

“That’s not the problem here. If she talks to you about this, it’ll just stir up more shit for her and that isn’t something she wants.”

I frown. “What could be more important than helping someone else finally prove their innocence?”

She shoots me a dirty look. “Have you ever stopped to think that other people have stuff going on in their life that is just as bad to them as that?” Nodding at the door, she adds, “Just go. I’ll tell her you came by again but I wouldn’t hold my breath if I were you.”

“Make sure you do and also be sure to mention what I said about the police.” With that, I turn and leave, more frustrated than when I entered.

“Is that true?” Avery asks when we’re in the car.

“That I’ll go to the police?”

She nods.

“No. I believe what I said about her not being on shift that day but I have no proof except for the signatures in the sign-in book. I doubt the police would even look at it. Not when they already have a conviction for this crime.”

I turn the key in the ignition and move my hand to the gear stick, but Avery places her hand on mine, stopping me. “I’m so proud of you, Callie.”

I face her. “Why?”

“Because of everything you do and everything you are. I’m not sure I would have done what you did by giving up Luke, but I admire the hell out of that move. It showed me your heart and how good you are. There aren’t many pure people left in this world. I’m proud to have one as my bestie.”

Her words catch me off guard and I’m lost in the moment thinking about what she’s said. I don’t feel worthy of her declaration. I’m just doing what I would want