The Serial Killer of Kennoxie

Part 21

"Ronnie Gordon you say."

Baylor nodded at Jim's words. "I haven't seen him around here in years, but that's the man who always stood in the corner and watched."

Rose shifted slightly next to Randy. He had his arm draped over her shoulder and Rose was very aware of Ashton's eyes on her. "He was always moving from room to room. I remember seeing him one time take someone's wallet. All he did was look through it before he slipped it back into the guy's pocket. The man never even knew his wallet was missing. Ronnie could have easily taken Mother's notebook."

"I can understand him going after those who attended the parties, but why would he be murdering random people who had nothing to do with those parties. That's what I want to know."

Baylor shrugged. "I don't have the answer to that Jim. His victims are not innocent. They have all done something to get his attention. Usually their crimes come to light after their death."

"I'll get more agents out here. We'll scour the county for that bastard."

Rose finally looked over at Ashton. The look he gave her was one that she couldn't read, but Rose knew that he wasn't happy about her being unavailable now. Rose turned her attention to Randy. He smelled good and his skin against hers felt amazing. Rose could handle Ashton. He was not the first man to show interest in her and he wouldn't be the last.

"Can I speak to you for a minute Rose?"

Rose had been hoping Ashton would just leave her house without asking to speak to her. Rose led Ashton inside to the kitchen where they wouldn't be interrupted. She stood with leaning against the kitchen sink with her back to the window.

"What do you want to talk about Ashton?"

Ashton ran a hand through his hair before he spoke. "I feel like you've lied to me."

Rose's eyebrows went up. "And how exactly did I do that?"

"You made it seem like you were available."

"I thought I was Ashton. It was only a few days ago that I discovered I loved Randy. I realized that I've been in love with Randy for years, but I never acted on it because I valued his friendship. Randy knows everything that has happened to me."

"I know what's happened to you too Rose."

Rose nodded in agreement. "You have only scratched the surface of what Baylor and I went through. Randy was there. He never was at any of the parties, but he knew what it was that we went through and he helped us gather the ragged pieces of our souls together numerous times. Randy helped us get through our childhood. While others looked at us with envy and lust, all Randy had in his eyes was kindness."

Ashton gazed at Rose with a frustrated look on his face. "You should have told me that you might have feelings for someone else. If I had known, then I wouldn't have tried to get with you."

"You never tried Ashton." Rose pointed out.

"The hell I didn't. I was there for you that night when you called me. I went running with you multiple times."

Rose blinked in surprise before she frowned. "That is what friends do. I might not have had a run of the mill introduction to sex, and I've never been in a relationship, but I've watched plenty of movies and read enough books to know when someone is interested in you. I cannot help it that I love Randy. I am sorry if that has hurt you."

Ashton's jaw tightened. He glared at her before seemed to take a steadying breath. "I thought you knew I was interested. I should have let my hand be known. I wish you and Randy good luck."

Before Rose could open her mouth, Ashton turned and left the kitchen. Rose went back outside. Baylor was busy manning the grill while Randy offered help from the bench he was sitting on. Baylor gave Rose a sympathetic smile before he went back to grilling. Randy patted the seat next to him. He slipped an arm around her shoulder and drew her close so that he could kiss her forehead.

"I'm taking that didn't go well."

Rose gave a humorless laugh. "That's an understatement Randy. Ashton wasn't happy that we were together. He thought that I knew of his interest in me."

Baylor spoke up as he flipped burgers. "He never came out and said that he was interested in you. Running with you and helping you through your nightmare doesn't count as telling you that he's interested in you."

"I know and that's what I told him."

"I'll talk to him if I have to."

Rose leaned into Randy and smiled up at him. "He was just disappointed Randy. I don't think he'll cause us any trouble."

"I agree with Rose. A man like Ashton is not used to being turned down. Rose is probably one of the few women to say no to him."

Rose wrinkled her nose. "He is not my type. Sure he has Thor's necklace and he's good looking, but I'm looking for more than just a pretty face."

"Burgers are ready!" Baylor called out.

Rose's stomach suddenly growled making Randy laugh. Rose patted her stomach. "Good cause my stomach is growling loud enough to be heard on Mars."