Page 33 of Colton’s Inferno

She wasn’t ready for a husband, and she worked too hard to run for fun.

Then again, she never really did anything for fun.

If Derek were alive, what would he be doing? Running a race or walking down the aisle?

In an instant, she decided that he’d do both. She smiled, thinking of her brother getting married after finishing a marathon. Sure, it would be over-the-top. But then again, so was Derek.

Ten years ago, when she’d been in high school, Lucy had friends. She’d been a member of the school’s marching band and the 4-H Club.

Then, Derek overdosed.

At first, people were sympathetic. They let her cry and gave her hugs. But after a few months, they wanted to move on. The thing was, Lucy couldn’t let go. They hadn’t been the ones who went to his bedroom, telling him it was time for dinner. Even now, she could hear the music blaring. She’d knocked and hadn’t been surprised when there was no answer. Like she’d done a hundred times before, she opened the door.

Her brother was sprawled across the floor, face down.

At first, she thought he’d fallen asleep. But the tips of his fingers were swollen and purple. The room stank of urine and meat that had sat for too long in the sun. She screamed for Grandpa Rusty. But it was too late.

Her brother’s death had done more than steal her only sibling and best friend. It left Lucy alone—and lonely.

She tossed her phone onto the cushion beside her and stared out the window, seeing nothing. Yet, she was keenly aware of one thing.

Aiden’s business card was still in her pocket. She pulled it out and traced the raised lettering.

Aiden Colton

Red Grove Fire Department

Two numbers were listed. One was for the fire station. The other was for his cell phone. Lucy reached for her own phone.

She stared at the card. Then, her phone. She set them both aside. It didn’t matter how much she wanted to talk to Aiden; she needed to find the courage to make the call.

After getting home from the Five Steers Ranch, Aiden had taken more pain meds and laid down on the sofa, intending only to close his eyes for a minute. But that minute turned into a four-hour nap. When he woke, it was 2:02 p.m.

His stomach grumbled. The breakfast he’d eaten with Lucy and her grandfather was long gone. He needed something to eat but wasn’t in the mood to cook. The nice thing about living off Main Street in Red Grove was that there were several restaurants just outside his apartment. He grabbed a pair of sunglasses and took the steps to the street. At ground level, he pushed a security door open and stepped outside.

The sun hung in a cloudless sky of azure. His head started to pound, and he slipped on the shades. With the tinted lenses, his headache eased. There were several places to eat on the block where he lived. But his favorite restaurant, The Eatery, was two blocks away. He started to walk.

From behind came the whoop-whoop of a siren.

He turned toward the noise.

Cal drove his cruiser. The window on the passenger side was down, and he leaned across the center console. “How’s it going?” he called.

“Better. Now I just need something to eat.” He pointed up the block. “I’m headed to The Eatery.”

“I just got out of the office to grab a quick bite. Jump in. We can have lunch together.”

“I’ll walk,” said Aiden. “I need a little fresh air. But I’ll meet you there.”

It took him only minutes to get to the restaurant. By the time he arrived, Cal stood on the sidewalk. His car was parked in a spot at the curb. “Glad I ran into you,” he said, opening the door.

Aiden stepped into the restaurant. The scent of fried potatoes and cinnamon filled the air. Several square tables filled the middle of the floor. Booths lined both walls. All the seats were covered in red vinyl. One of the booths was occupied by two dads and a daughter. Aside from the family, the rest of the tables were empty.

“Did all the evidence get sent to the crime lab?” Aiden asked.

“Bree left as soon as I got back to the office,” said Cal. “I don’t know if she’s even made it there, yet.” A sign by the door read Seat Yourself. “And then, it’ll be at least a week until we get any results.”

Cal walked to a booth next to the window. It looked out onto the sidewalk, the road, and a bookstore across the street. Aiden slid onto one bench and Cal took a spot across from him. Menus were stacked at the back of the table, held up by a metal napkin dispenser. Aiden didn’t need to look at the list of options. He always ordered the same thing.