Cherry Creek by Dani Matthews Page B

in Cherry Creek, or the others will chew you up and spit you out.”
    “What others?”
    “Everyone,” Tatum says with exasperation as she tosses her hair back over her shoulder. “You need to grow a backbone.”
    I'm beyond irritated. “I have a backbone, or I wouldn't have cracked my boyfriend's skull open with a baseball bat.” The words are out before I can take them back.
    Tatum smiles triumphantly, looking pleased. “ There she is. I like her . You on the other hand, you need to loosen up.”
    “Why does it matter to you, Tatum?”
    “Because you're Roman's cousin.”
    “Are you his girlfriend or something?” I can't help but ask.
    “Definitely not girlfriend,” she says with a laugh. She looks momentarily distracted and pulls out a cell phone from her pocket, glancing at the screen. “Time to go. Come out with us one night, and we'll show you what you're missing,” she says before she turns and walks back out of the store, her hips swaying confidently.
    The only thing I'm missing is my old life, and I want it back. I turn away and walk over to a display of bras as the conversation with Tatum plays back in my head. Thankfully, the rest of the afternoon and evening goes by smoothly.
    When I get back to the mansion after my shift, I make polite conversation with Adelaide before I explain I'm going to eat up in my room. Much to my relief, she doesn't question it. As I eat, I sit on my bed and search for private investigators in the area. There are two in Cherry Creek. Both claim to be highly experienced and guarantee one-hundred percent confidentiality. The only snag I run into is that I would have to be eighteen to hire them. Since I'm still a minor, that might be a bit of an issue. I'm not about to give up yet, so I sit back and contemplate my options. What if I offer to pay double? Or triple? Would it be enough of an incentive to take my case?
    I guess there's only one way to find out. I quickly click on the icon in the corner of the screen to contact one of the investigators about setting up an appointment for tomorrow.
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     

Chapter Seven
    When I wake up the next morning, I have a terrible headache. I take some aspirin, then start getting ready for another day of work. After I take a quick shower, I walk into my room with a towel wrapped around me. My eyes land on the laptop sitting on the dresser, and I come to an abrupt halt where I stand. I haven't checked it yet to see if the investigator responded to my inquiry. I clutch the towel to my body as I hurry over and check my email. If I'm meeting with the investigator today, I'm going to want to make sure I look older than seventeen. Sure enough, I have a reply back, and he can meet with me at my requested time. I quickly send off an email confirming our scheduled meeting before I take my time dressing.
    I slip on a pair of cream colored dress pants and pull on a delicate, sleeveless blouse in a complimentary shade of coral. Instead of leaving my hair down, I pull it back in a knot behind my head. I study myself critically in the mirror. Maybe I should put on some make-up. I rush back into the bathroom and apply just hint more than I wear on a normal day. When I'm finished, I grab my purse and double check to make sure the credit cards and debit card are inside. If I can talk this investigator into taking my case, it might be wise to have cash on hand to prove I can double his fee. I'll have to hit the ATM during my lunch break.

***
    I'm nervous as I approach the glass door that has the investigative agency's name on it. I draw in a deep breath and try to calm the little butterflies dancing around in my stomach. I need to act calm and in control, because he needs to take me seriously. I pull open the door and enter the building once I feel like I have my emotions under control.
    The agency is small and decorated in simple earth tones.