Who really killed Wanda Day! - Wedding Bells (DAY! Series Book 2)

Chapter 26 - A Relative, A Revelation, And REPEAT!

The bar was a symphony of clinking glasses, boisterous laughter, and the occasional shattering of dreams (or just a few beer mugs). But Colin, the master of blending in, didn't mind the cacophony one bit. In fact, he rather enjoyed it - it was the perfect backdrop for his little game of 'Pic a vic.'

Nestled in the farthest corner, with his back to the wall like a seasoned spy, he surveyed the scene. The beer was cold, the girls were easy on the eyes, and there was even a billiard table. Sure, the stench of stale beer and cigarettes was enough to make a skunk gag, but Colin had a nose for opportunity, and he wasn't about to let a little olfactory assault get in his way.

And then, like a beacon in the hazy, beer-soaked darkness, she appeared - a vision of petite perfection. Standing barely 5'4" with a head full of wild, untamed curls and eyes that could melt the coldest of hearts, she strode through the bar like a runway model. Clad in a pair of jeans and a tank top that hugged her figure in all the right places, she was a walking, talking temptation. Colin's heart immediately went into overdrive. Their eyes locked, and at that moment, the world around him came to a halt.

The girl paused for a moment as if sizing up her prey. Then, with a cheeky grin, she sauntered right up to Colin's table. "Hi," she purred, her voice like honey dripping from the comb. "I'm Wanda. Can I get you a drink?"

"Hey, I'm... Colin," he replied, his voice cracking slightly as he gestured to his still-full glass with a shake of his head.

Deep down, Colin knew this was going to be a special kind of hunt - one he had never experienced before. This woman, with her captivating curls and mesmerizing eyes, had managed to ensnare him in a way no other had. Even his ex-girlfriend, whom he had dumped a few weeks prior without so much as a goodbye, paled in comparison to the raw, primal attraction he felt toward this tantalizing stranger. It was as if she had waltzed right into his carefully constructed web, completely unaware of the predator lurking in the shadows.

"Can I take a seat?"

When Colin nodded, the woman gracefully slid into the chair opposite him, and in the warm glow of the table lamp, he was able to fully take in her captivating beauty. She was young, about 18 if he had to guess, and radiated an intoxicating innocence that made his heart skip a beat. "Nice to meet you," she said, extending her delicate hand towards him.

Colin felt a bead of sweat trickle down his brow as he gingerly reached out to shake it. "Likewise," he managed to whisper, silently praying his voice didn't betray the whirlwind of emotions raging within him.

The moment their hands met, he felt a jolt of electricity course through him, like his entire nervous system had been hooked up to a live wire. His heart began to race, palms growing clammy, and a certain part of him was starting to take a keen interest in the proceedings, a part that only came to life when he was thinking of blood and murder.

This was all highly unusual for Colin, a man who typically maintained an iron grip on his emotions. But there was just something about this young woman that seemed to short-circuit his carefully constructed defenses. Still, ever the opportunist, he was determined to push past his uncharacteristic bout of nerves and get to know this intriguing stranger better. After all, knowledge was power, and he was nothing if not a master of manipulation.

"Are you all alone here?" she asked, her eyes sparkling with a hint of curiosity.

"Uhm, yes, what about you?"

"Oh yes." Wanda sighed, her voice like a siren's call. "I actually don't know many people here. I just moved to a small town about 60 miles away."