In the picturesque town of Leavenworth, Washington, 27-year-old Sofie Bennett leads a life marked by its comforting predictability. As a sweet-natured waitress at The Alpine Tavern-a cozy haven where locals come together for hearty meals and lively...
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The bass thumped through the warehouse, shaking the walls as the air filled with the smell of sweat, smoke, and cheap beer. Neon lights flickered overhead, illuminating a chaotic scene of leather-clad bikers laughing, dancing, and reveling in their reckless freedom. The atmosphere buzzed with energy, the sound of clinking bottles and rowdy cheers echoing against the steel beams, creating a cacophony that drowned out any semblance of civility. I stepped closer to Knox, forcing my way through the throng of partying bikers. Their laughter and shouts created a dissonant backdrop, but I had no time for distractions.
My gaze locked onto Knox, narrowing my eyes. "Listen, I need to know if you know anything about a recent death—an elderly lady."
Knox hesitated, glancing around to ensure we weren't overheard. The strobe lights flickered, casting shadows over his face. "You should watch your tone, Blade. But if you're asking, there have been whispers."
Raze, standing beside me with his trademark grin, leaned in closer, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "Whispers? You're holding out on us, Knox. Come on, don't make us pry it out of you. We know there's something going on, and we're not leaving until we find out who's responsible."
Knox shifted uncomfortably, the bravado he wore like armor beginning to crack. "You didn't hear this from me, but word is, Eddie had something to do with that old lady's death."
My heart skipped a beat. Eddie? The bartender from The Alpine Tavern? The idea seemed almost too twisted to be true, but the look in Knox's eyes told me he wasn't bluffing.
"What do you mean, Eddie?" I demanded, my voice low and gravelly. "He's harmless. Why would he kill an old lady?"
Knox leaned in closer, lowering his voice further. "It wasn't supposed to be her. Eddie had some twisted ideas about Sofie being his. Apparently, when he showed up at her place, he found the old lady instead. She must've startled him, and he panicked...did the job and bolted."
Rage simmered beneath my calm exterior. The thought of Sofie being the intended target made my blood boil. Eddie, who always seemed so unassuming, had taken Grandma Millie's life, mistaking her for Sofie. I would've torn Eddie apart if he were in front of me right now, but I needed to keep my cool to uncover the full picture.
