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He gave a derisive snort and tried to find a can of beer that was not empty. “Why would I want her, after she's been with you two homos?” Logan tried to take another swing, but I stopped him. “Besides, I've got a new cash cow now.”
He picked up another empty and threw it over his shoulder. Turning to the woman, he barked, “Candi, bring me another cold one.” She told him they were out of beer, that he had drank the last one before passing out.
“Then put some clothes on and haul your fat ass down to the Kwiki Mart.” She huffed, went into the bedroom, and slammed the door.
This guy was a real charmer and not, for the first time, I wondered what Ember had seen in him. One thing was obvious though: it had not been Reggie who had given her a ride. However, Logan was still convinced he had been up to no good. “So you're telling us you didn't steal her car, set it on fire and then push it into the river? I suppose you also had nothing to do with her apartment burning to the ground.”
“Dude, I don't know what you guys have been smoking. I'll take some of it, though.” He swiped another empty off of the coffee table. I’m so over her, it ain’t even funny. As you can see, I have a new sugar momma now.”
“What about the note you left in our mailbox for her?”
“What note?” For the first time, he looked nervous.
“Blue envelope,” I said. “You belong with me. Ring any bells?”
“How do you know about the note? I threw it away.”
“That’s funny, because it is in the evidence room down at the police department.”
“That son of a bitch. He must have sent her a second one.” I asked him who he was talking about. “That fucking freak that works at the diner—Danny. He was always following Ember around. I caught him trying to peep in the window one night. Gave him a beating and told him if he ever came around again I would kill him. Two days later, I left work sick, and found a note just like the one you are describing, taped to the front door. It was addressed to Ember and signed, ‘Love, Danny.’
“Did Ember know about this?” I asked.
“Fuck no. She would have wanted to quit her job at the diner, so I kept it to myself. I’m in between jobs right now, so I needed her paycheck to pay the bills.”
“What’s Danny’s last name, and where does he live?” I asked through clenched teeth.
“Price. I don’t know where he lives.” It was my turn to take a swing. I looked down at him, trying to get up off the floor. “Don’t get up. The woman we love is in danger because of your selfishness. You better pray nothing happens to her or we will be back.”
Back out in the car, Logan called his friend at the police station and put the call on speaker. “Ted, it’s Logan. I need an address on Danny Price.” I remembered Ember saying something about Price living with his mother. “The house may be in his mom’s name if that helps.”
“Listen fellas, I would like to help you, but you are already in deep shit. We just got a call from Reggie Chatman. He says the two of you assaulted him.”
“He’s exaggerating. Chatman is who gave us Price’s name. Told us he was the one stalking Ember.”
“Isn’t Chatman the same guy you were convinced stole her car and started the fire at her apartment?” The cop did not seem to take us seriously, but assured us he would have someone go talk with Danny the following week. Logan was gripping the steering wheel so tightly I worried he would rip it out. “You don’t seem to understand. We believe this guy kidnapped Ember earlier today.”
We could hear him typing and his tone became very grave. “Fuck. I thought his name was familiar. Last year, the mother died. Fell down the steps and broke her neck. Two months later, the kid was arrested for stalking his professor. Claimed he was off his meds and was sentenced to two months in a mental health facility.”
“It appears he is off his meds again,” I said. “We need the address.”
“657 Blawnox. I’m sending a squad car right now. Wait until they—” I ended the call and Logan punched the gas.
Ember
When I regained consciousness again, I immediately smelled the gasoline. Danny had three cans of it and had already poured one over the cardboard boxes. I realized that if I panicked; I was going to die. Keeping my voice calm, I asked, “Why are you doing this, Danny?”
He ignored me and continued to slosh gas onto the floor. There was a box of matches sticking out of his back pocket. “Danny, I'm sure whatever is bothering you, we can talk about it. You don't have to do this.”
“What's bothering me?” Spittle flew from his mouth and he had a crazed look in his eyes. “I loved you, Ember. We were meant to be together, but you'd rather be with those two alphatards.”
“Is that what this is all about? Sweetie, it’s not like that.” I just needed to keep him talking until I could figure out a better plan.
“You lying cunt. I saw you through the living room window.” He tossed the empty can against the wall and my fear grew.
“Yes, it’s true. I have had sex with them. But it was only for the money.” I knew I needed to be convincing, but wanted to choke on my words. I gave him a seductive smile and bit my lower lip. “They mean nothing to me. Once I have the money, you and I will be free to be together.”
I could see that he desperately wanted to believe I was telling the truth. “But now that I see how much you care about me, the money doesn’t matter anymore. Come, cut me loose. We can go upstairs and I’ll show you how much you mean to me.”
