Blackmail by A.L. Simpson Read Free Book Online Page B

pay them though. My parents' estate is tied up for heaven only knows how long, I can't work and because I can't even get an interview, I can't get much Government help. I could pay if the photos are taken down and I get a job. I would only stay until I’m employed and then I can get my own place.” Avery was getting excited. She could see a way out of this mess. Finally, a light at the end of a very black tunnel. But, what was she thinking? She didn’t know these people. She couldn’t ask for their help. Her voice was quiet when she continued. “Thank you for the offer but I can’t. It wouldn’t be fair. Your parents don’t even know me.”
    “Trust me, they’d be delighted to have you stay and it would give them someone to care for while I solve Tegan’s murder. I want you out of here. It’s dangerous and I don’t want you to be the next victim whose murder I have to investigate.”
    The area was dangerous. Drug dealers, addicts, pimps and all other kinds of scummy, untrustworthy people approached her on a regular basis. She felt constantly scared. “Do you think they will have me?”
    “I know they will, sweetheart, but…...”
    Her gut roiled. “But what?”
    “We can't take the pictures down yet. The bills you have can't be paid and I can't stop collection agencies from trying to find you. We need Vince to think you are desperate and have taken off. He can't know you’re in the home of a former cop or it will place you and our female officer in danger.”
    “Female officer? I thought you didn’t want to risk putting one into the club?”
    “We’ll slip her in under the pretense of being your friend and needing a job. She’ll be able to confirm you were so desperate that you have disappeared and, it will keep both her and you safe.” Hopefully.
    “Vince will think he's ruined me and it will make him very happy.” She gazed at him sadly. “If you hadn't come along, he would have destroyed me. I’d about given up.”
    “I think you're stronger than that. I don't think you would allow those scumbags to destroy you.”
    “Thank you.” Avery stood on her tiptoes and kissed Gabe on the lips.
    Fireworks ignited, sparks flew and they jolted apart. Startled, confused faces stared at each other.
    Heat pooled in Avery's belly. Her panties became wet.
    What the fuck was that? Gabe subtly adjusted his hardening cock.
    “I'll go and pack.” Avery scurried from the room.



Chapter Six
    Avery reappeared after a few minutes pulling a suitcase and carrying a matching overnight bag. She gave the apartment one last check, not that anyone would want to break into a dump like this, scooped up the pile of envelopes from the table, and informed Gabe she was ready to leave.
    “I guess you won't be sorry to put this behind you.” He gently removed the suitcase and bag from her hands.
    “Not at all, the sooner the better. I can't believe how lucky I am you came along and offered to help.” Avery waited for Gabe to leave and locked up the apartment.
    She joined him outside, he held the car door open and she slipped into the passenger seat. After depositing her luggage into the trunk, he climbed behind the wheel.
    They drove toward Randle, a town about one hour from Glanville, near the sea. The countryside was a brilliant green, thanks to all the recent rain. The air was fresh, a stream washed through a valley. Avery sighed as she relaxed into her seat.
    “Tired?” Gabe asked.
    “No. Relieved.”
    “It must have been hard for you over the past weeks.”
    “Yes, it’s been a fucking nightmare. I really miss my parents and my friends.”
    “Hopefully when this is all over, you can pick up the friendships again.”
    “Doubtful. Some of them were rather piqued by my refusal to spend time with them.” She became thoughtful. “I want to get this over with and once the estate is settled, I think I’ll move and start fresh somewhere else.”
    For reasons Gabe didn't understand, his spirit plummeted at the