Ride the Lightning : Sinister in Savannah Book 1

by Aimee Nicole Walker

  She took a drink and said, “I should’ve asked you to pour out the remaining coffee to make room for the booze.”

  Jonah laughed despite his heavy heart and reclaimed his seat across from her once more. “I’ll start talking to Earl’s friends tomorrow. I want to track down the guards who worked at the county jail and prison when Bo was there. See what they’re willing to tell me.”

  “They keep the death-row inmates isolated, but it wouldn’t have been the case when he was in the county lockup,” Marla pointed out. “I bet he talked to other inmates.”

  Jonah nodded. “That’s on my list too. Talking to Bo’s family is unavoidable, but I want to postpone it for as long as possible. Scraping off the scabs on these old wounds will be painful for them, especially if my questions don’t lead me anywhere.”

  Marla nodded. “I agree.”

  “So, what about Earl’s family?” Jonah asked. “You said the names on the list are his friends.”

  “Like so many others, his family disowned him once he came out as gay. For all I know, one of them killed him after learning he’d started dressing in drag.” Marla tipped her head and narrowed her eyes. “Why the hell didn’t I think of that sooner?” she asked.

  “When a person is suddenly and violently killed, it’s common to focus on new people who’d entered their lives,” Jonah said. “Subconsciously, it’s scarier and harder to believe the killer is someone you know well.”

  “Well, damn,” Marla said. “Maybe I’ve barked up the wrong tree all these years. Maybe it wasn’t the new boyfriend but his brother, his father, or a cousin instead.”

  Jonah acknowledged the possibility with a nod. Maybe he didn’t have much field experience, but he knew statistics, and Jonah knew human behavior. Those two things should never be discounted during an investigation. “Do you know much about his family?” he asked.

  Marla pulled out a pen from her tote and began writing notes on a new sheet of notebook paper. “Not a lot,” she said, “but I’ll tell you everything I remember. Sandy Jasper knew Earl the longest. I’d start with him. They were childhood friends, and I didn’t meet Earl until we were in our late teens. He’s the one who sent me the article link.”

  Jonah glanced down at the notes Marla had made. She’d included addresses, phone numbers, and places of employment. It listed Sandy as owner of The Cockpit. Jonah’s brow rose. Kendall might be able to offer some insight into the club owner since he worked weekends there. Marla’s throaty laughter caused him to jerk his gaze up. She was grinning from ear to ear.

  “Bet I know where your mind went just now,” she teased. “Be careful you don’t drag home another roommate if you visit Sandy at the club. This place will become Jonah’s Home for Lost Boys.”

  Jonah narrowed his eyes. “How’d you know what I was thinking?”

  “Your face got pink, and your eyes glazed over just like most men’s do when they see those little aviator uniforms for the first time.”

  Jonah chuckled because it was true.

  Marla took another sip of coffee, then yawned. “I should really get home and catch a nap. I spent most of my time talking to my parents, aunts, and cousins, making up for lost time.” Her voice cracked on the last part. Marla heaved a sigh. “You ready to go home, Miss Thing?”

  “Stay a little longer,” Jonah suggested. “We can watch episodes of The Golden Girls. Betty can help me do some research in my office while you rest. I can fix us some lunch when you wake up.”

  “That sounds lovely,” Marla said, rising from her chair slowly. Jonah wanted to offer his hand, but he recognized the proud look in her eyes. He had to trust Marla would ask for help when she needed it. “You know what sounds lovelier?”

  “A soft blanket and a pillow?” Jonah asked.

  “The recliner will do,” Marla said. “I think I’d like you to design a brilliant new computer and name her Marla. She needs to be as smart as Stella but look snazzy while working her magic.”

  “So, like a glittery exterior?”

  “Glitter,” Marla scoffed. “I said snazzy, not tacky. This blush pink is my signature color in case you haven’t noticed.”

  “I have,” Jonah replied.

  “Instead of boring-ass black plastic, why not make a blush pink computer with silver or gold accents?” Marla said as she walked to the living room.

  Jonah and Betty followed her. “That’s not a bad idea.” He draped a soft blanket over Marla, then gently settled Betty on her lap.

  “It’s a brilliant idea, which is why you should name a supercomputer after me.”

  Now that Marla had planted the seed, ideas began to take root. Jonah was suspended from work and needed to stay busy, after all.

  Marla and Betty were fast asleep before Rose shot Blanche’s vase in Jonah’s favorite episode. He took the lists Marla made him and tiptoed down the hall to his home office, where he made measurements and looked for blush pink computer components. Then Jonah buckled down and searched for information on the list of people Marla made for him. She might’ve known where they lived and worked, but he wanted to know things they might’ve kept secret from her, such as their criminal history. Since his GBI access was locked down, Jonah used the same kind of service PI’s used to search public records. He found a few misdemeanors for some of Earl’s friends, but nothing that concerned him.

  A few hours later, he checked on Marla and saw she was still sleeping. Betty stood up and looked at Jonah with expressive eyes.

  “Do you need to potty?” he whispered. Betty’s entire body vibrated as she wiggled her ass end. “I’ll take that as a yes,” Jonah said, getting her down so she could follow him out the front door.

  He sat on the porch steps while Betty sniffed every other blade of grass until she found the perfect spot to take a shit. She kicked up her legs afterward and trotted back to Jonah with a hopeful look in her eye.

  “I don’t have any of those Beggin Strips you like, but I’ll stockpile them soon.” Jonah heard a car slowing down in front of his house and got the surprise of his life when he glanced up and saw Avery pull into the driveway. Jonah stood up and crossed the yard with Betty right on his feet, barking as viciously as she could. “Exit the car at your own risk,” Jonah said when Avery pushed his door open.

  Laughing, Avery got out of his car and squatted down to greet Betty, who’d charged fearlessly toward him. “I didn’t know you have a dog. I would’ve pictured you with something bigger and meaner to help push the badass image you try to project.”

  “I don’t have a dog…yet,” Jonah said, ignoring Avery’s other remark. “This is Marla’s dog. Her name is Betty.”

  Awareness washed over Avery’s face, softening his beautiful eyes. “Hello, Betty,” he said, extending a hand for her to sniff. Betty must’ve liked what she smelled because she stood on her hind legs and placed her paws on his dress pants. “I’m glad you’ll have each other,” Avery said, looking into Jonah’s eyes.

  “So am I,” he admitted.

  Avery scratched behind Betty’s ears and under her chin before running a hand down her sleek back. Jonah had never been jealous of a dog before now. “You’re the best girl, aren’t you, Betty?” The dog barked twice and collapsed onto her back. Avery laughed at her antics and rubbed her tummy.

  “That means yes,” Jonah said, wondering what Avery would do if Jonah threw himself down and presented his belly and other things for rubbing. “I think she’s enjoying the belly rub a lot.”

  Avery must’ve heard something wistful in his voice because his head snapped up, and their gazes collided and held. Avery rose to his feet and smiled nervously. “I bet you’re wondering what I’m doing here.”

  “I am,” Jonah said, closing the distance until there was only a foot separating them. Avery hadn’t even acknowledged the text he sent earlier.

  Avery swallowed hard, then reached into his pocket and withdrew a flash drive. “I copied everything I could find about Earl Ison and Bo Cahill.”

  Jonah ac
cepted the flash drive from Avery without tearing his gaze away and slid it inside his front pocket. His fingertips tingled after brushing against Avery’s palm. “I hope you were careful. I’d hate for you to get in trouble because of me. Besides, Felix already has a copy of Bo’s case file from DeKalb County. That’s why he was comfortable going public.”

  “Trexler requested the case file last week, even after he told you no.”

  Jonah’s mouth fell open. “Where’d you hear that?”

  “From Desiree who’d heard it from Tabitha. I told you the cousins liked to talk,” Avery replied. “Anyway, I hacked into Trexler’s computer and copied the files for you.”

  “Avery,” Jonah sighed. “You shouldn’t have done that. What if—”

  Avery’s scoff interrupted the flow of words. “I was cautious, and there’s no way Trexler will know I was in there poking around. I wanted you to have the information in case DeKalb County deliberately withheld information from Felix.”

  “What makes you think they wouldn’t withhold the same information from the GBI?” Jonah asked.

  “They may have, but someone else in law enforcement is more likely to help cover up a botched investigation than an uncompromising reporter like Felix,” Avery said.

  Jonah nodded. “Good point.”

  “I’m very astute, Jonah,” Avery said. He’d struck a playful, teasing tone, but the devilish look in his eyes was pure mischief. “You know what else I observed last week?”

  “What?”

  Avery closed the small distance between them until there were only a few inches of air between their bodies. His nostrils flared as he took a deep breath. “You didn’t like it when I went on a date.”

  Deny. Deny. Deny. Jonah opened his mouth to dispute Avery’s accusation, but the truth spilled out instead. “No, I didn’t.”

  “Why?” Avery asked.

  Jonah didn’t trust himself to speak, so he shrugged.

  “You were furious when you mistook my allergic reaction for the aftermath of a serious make-out session. Why?”

  Jonah’s mouth was suddenly too dry to speak, so he shrugged again.

  “Bullshit,” Avery growled. He rose on his tiptoes, gripped the back of Jonah’s neck, and pulled him down into a kiss.

  Jonah stiffened at the first tender press of lips against his because he’d fantasized about kissing Avery for so long. His hesitation made Avery second-guess himself, and he started to step back.

  “I don’t fucking think so,” Jonah roughly growled, pulling Avery into his arms and slanting his mouth over the younger man’s.

  Avery gasped either in surprise or pleasure, and Jonah took advantage, slipping his tongue inside Avery’s mouth to tease and explore. Avery moaned, fisted his hands in Jonah’s hair, and melted against him.

  Jonah backed Avery up against his car and ravaged his mouth. Every fantasy he’d had over the past eight months paled in comparison to the real thing. Heat, longing, and lust slammed together, twisting and swirling through Jonah’s body like a cyclone, threatening to wreak havoc on him and everyone who stood in the way. Still, Jonah couldn’t get enough. He slid his hands down to cup Avery’s firm ass, loving the way the smaller man canted his hips toward Jonah, seeking friction and heat.

  Avery sucked his tongue, and it took everything Jonah had not to throw him over his shoulder and carry Avery off to his bedroom.

  Honk. Honk.

  The blaring car horn startled Jonah and Avery apart.

  “Do that shit inside your house,” a snarling punk yelled out the window of a passing car.

  “This has been one of the strangest days in my life,” Jonah muttered as they watched the bright yellow Honda Accord disappear around the corner. “I wouldn’t be screaming at people from a vehicle that recognizable.”

  Avery mumbled something indecipherable. Jonah hooked his forefinger beneath his chin, lifting his head until Avery met his gaze.

  “What was that?” Jonah asked.

  “It’s not all bad, right?” Avery asked.

  Jonah traced his thumb over Avery’s thoroughly kissed lips. He liked being the reason for Avery’s flushed cheeks and plump mouth instead of an avocado. “I said strange, not bad, and some of it’s been pretty fucking amazing.”

  Avery nipped Jonah’s thumb. “You’re not freaking out?”

  “Oh, I am,” Jonah countered. “But I don’t regret it.”

  Avery heaved a relieved sigh. “I should probably head back to work.”

  “Is Trexler treating you okay?” Jonah asked, brushing his knuckles along Avery’s cheekbone.

  Avery leaned into his touch. “You’re making it hard to be good.”

  “Sorry,” Jonah said. He started to lower his hand, but Avery made an adorable growling noise, so Jonah continued touching him. He would’ve encouraged Avery to do the same, but it could result in them getting arrested for indecent exposure. He settled for tracing Avery’s jawbone before resting his palm against his neck, smiling when he felt the erratic pulse throbbing beneath Avery’s skin.

  “Um, I forgot what I was going to say,” Avery whispered.

  “I asked if Trexler was treating you okay.”

  “Oh, him. Yeah,” Avery said, nodding. “Too nice. I think Trexler’s going out of his way to prove he’s not the problem in your dynamic. Everyone knows better.”

  Jonah hated knowing everyone talked about him. Pitied him. Placed bets on him. He needed to reevaluate how badly he wanted to continue working in a hostile environment. Was it worth the stress? He shoved the thoughts aside to focus on the man in his arms. Jonah lowered his head and kissed Avery long and slow, loving the way Avery clung to his biceps.

  Avery broke the kiss suddenly and panted for air. “Jonah, if we don’t stop now, I will drag you into the house and do wicked things to your body.”

  “Get it, honey,” Marla said from a rocking chair on the porch. Betty barked twice from her perch on Marla’s lap. “Miss Thing agrees.”

  They’d been so wrapped up in one another that neither had heard Marla come out of the house.

  “You must be Avery,” Marla said.

  “Yes, ma’am,” he replied, sounding pleased that she’d heard of him.

  “You’re as cute as a button. No wonder you have the big guy tied up in knots.”

  “Okay,” Jonah said, cutting her off before she could say more. He looked back at Avery. “Can I call you later?”

  “I’ll be pissed if you don’t.”

  Jonah reluctantly released Avery and took a few steps back.

  “It was nice meeting you, Marla,” Avery said. The French bulldog barked sharply. “And you too, beautiful Betty.” He raked his eyes over Jonah one last time before getting in his car.

  Jonah waited until Avery drove away before returning to the porch. He flopped down in the chair beside Marla and began rocking.

  “Attaboy,” Marla said proudly.

  Jonah laughed. “Ready for lunch? I have plenty of leftover barbecue from last night.”

  “No, thank you,” Marla said. “I think I’ll just head home. I think I’ll make some soup before conquering my mighty to-do list.”

  “Is there anything I can do to help you? I’m pretty handy.”

  Marla patted his knees. “I know it, baby, but it’s not that kind of list. And besides, you’re already tackling my number one priority. Knowing you’re doing all you can for Earl has helped me far more than the medicines my doctor has prescribed to keep me comfortable. The little nap in your recliner was the best I’ve slept in weeks. I will never be able to thank you enough.” She stroked Betty as she spoke. “Well, I’m giving you this incredible dog to look after you when I’m gone, so maybe we are even.”

  “Your friendship is the only thanks I need,” Jonah told her.

  “Boy, don’t you get all maudlin on me. There’s no time for that,” Marla said, rising to her feet. “I have one more favor to ask.”

  “Name it.”

  “Drag my heavy-ass valise ove
r to my house. Lord, why I packed so much for a weekend in Atlanta is beyond me.” Marla smiled wistfully. “It was worth it.”

  Jonah wanted to ask about the visit with her family, but he didn’t want to pry. Instead, he stood up and said, “I’m surprised Amos’s old car made it to Atlanta.”

  “Her paint might be fading, but her engine purrs strong under the hood. Kind of like Amos.” Marla cackled and slapped Jonah’s arm as she passed by him. “Come along now. You have work to do and supercomputers named Marla to build.”

  “Yes, ma’am.”

  Once Jonah got Marla settled, he returned home and got busy ordering the parts he needed to transform Stella 2.0 into a Marla the Magnificent instead. Afterward, Jonah planned out his interview strategy for the next day. There were only five people on the list, so he should easily knock out those interviews in one day and hopefully find out more about Earl’s family.

  He had time to kill and decided to visit to the Carnegie Library on Henry Street. Jonah headed to their genealogy and history section to look through their Savannah Morning News Obituaries Index, which dated back to 1913. As he suspected, the newspaper didn’t publish an obituary for Earl Ison. His family had rejected him, so they wouldn’t have gone through the effort and expense to place an obituary notice in the paper. They would’ve quietly buried their shame along with Earl. He switched to the digital copies of news publications.

  The library had millions of statewide newspaper publications for their patrons to view, spanning from 1786 to 1986. They proved to be an excellent source of information about Bo Cahill’s alleged crimes. Jonah noted the names of Bo’s family members in his phone, then went back to looking for any information about Earl. He only came across one small article in a Fulton County press that was published the day after the construction crew discovered Earl’s body. The heading read: Local Man Found Dead by Construction Crew. It listed Earl’s name and age but didn’t provide the name of the men who’d found him. That information was also omitted from the official SPD case file.