Chapter 57

 

Jayce

 

 

WE BOTH SLEPT in until ten, had another incredible round of mind-blowing sex, took showers, and checked out. After having worked up an appetite, we drove to a nearby diner. As soon as the waitress took our order, Tarot called me. I explained what we’d found at the townhome.

“So, someone is living there?” he replied.

“There was a big, fat cat, so I assume so,” I replied.

Ava stood up and whispered that she was going to the ladies’ room. I nodded.

“Maybe the bank took over the place and resold it?” Tank suggested.

“That could be.”

“There’d be record of it, though. I had Peyton look in the database, and the same person has owned it for a few years.”

“Maybe he had a roommate we don’t know about?”

“Could be. Just be careful. If Ava’s brother was murdered, the person living there now might have been involved.”

“True.”

“Call me when you find out what’s going on.”

“Okay. By the way, I was wondering if you could help out with something else.”

“What is it?”

I told him about the trouble Ava had been having with Hunter Calloway.

“That doesn’t surprise me. I’ve seen interviews with him on television. He’s an arrogant ass-fuck.”

“One who tries using sex to get what he wants, too,” I replied. “I’d like to teach him a lesson myself, but I don’t think I could get close enough to even speak to the fucker.”

“No. I’m sure he has bodyguards and an impenetrable security system.”

“What about the Judge paying him a visit?”

“We’ve already asked for too many favors. I highly doubt he’d get involved with this anyway.”

“This asshole can’t get away with intimidating women for sex,” I replied.

“I agree.” He sighed. “Why don’t you call Tank and tell him about it? He might be able to bend the Judge’s ear for another favor.”

“What kind of payment would he want?”

“Your soul, muahahaha,” he said in a devious voice.

“Maybe he’d settle for a tattoo?”

“Hey, you never know. Off the subject, how are you and Ava getting along?”

“Better.”

“Good. You pick a date yet?”

I snorted.

“Seriously though. I see good things for the both of you in the horizon. Together.” He began singing some song from the seventies by Dr. Hook about spending the night together.

Grinning, I shook my head.

“Seriously, you two. Long haul. I see it.”

I liked what he was saying, but it didn’t sound like we had much of a chance unless one of us moved. I told him.

“Give it time. I have a feeling that both of you are going to be making sacrifices soon. But, they’ll be worth it.”

“What kind of sacrifices?”

“I don’t know everything, Hollywood. You need to figure some of this stuff out yourself.”

“Thanks,” I said wryly.

He chuckled. “Patience, kid. Find that and you’ll be good to go. Speaking of which, I gotta go. Keep in touch.”

“Will do.”

When Ava returned to the table, she wanted to know what Tarot thought about the townhome.

“He didn’t sound like he knew much more than us either.”

“Isn’t he psychic?” she mused.

“Yes, but he doesn’t know everything, apparently,” I replied with a smirk. “His words exactly.”

She smiled. “Nobody should, though. Right?”

“Right.” I reached over and grabbed her hand. “The only thing I know right now is that I’m glad we made up.”

“Me, too.”

She started apologizing for ghosting me and I cut in.

“It’s over. You did what you thought was right.”

“But, I was wrong,” she replied.

“You didn’t know. I just hope that when all of this is over, we have answers for you. About Andrew.”

“I hope so, too,” she said sadly. “I need closure.”

“Whatever it takes, I’m going to help you find it.”

She smiled.
 

AFTER WE FINISHED eating, we drove back over to the townhome in the rental car, leaving her SUV at the diner. When we arrived, there was a woman sitting on the front steps watching a little boy blow and chase bubbles. When she saw us approach, her eyebrows knotted together.

“Can I help you?” she asked in a guarded tone

“We’re looking for Andrew Bordellini,” Ava replied.

“You and me both,” the woman said sadly. She pulled out a pack of cigarettes from her shirt pocket.

“We heard that he lives here,” I said, wondering who she was. The woman looked to be in her thirties, had long, dark hair and glasses.

“He was. I haven’t seen him in over three years, though. Joey, don’t get too close to the road,” she said to the little boy. 

“So, he disappeared?” Ava asked.

She lit the cigarette, still staring at us with uncertainty. “Who are you and why are you looking for him?”

“I’m his sister,” Ava answered.

The woman’s mouth dropped open. “You’re Ava?”

“Yes,” she replied and smiled. “He told you about me?”

“Yes. My God, I can’t believe you’re here. He always talked about reuniting with you,” she replied, her entire demeanor changing.

Ava’s face lit up. “Really?”

“Yes. My name is Penny, by the way. That’s Joey. Our son,” she replied.

This time it was Ava who looked shell-shocked. “What?”

“Joey is Andrew’s son,” she replied. “I guess that makes you his aunt.”