In the Middle of Love's Crime *BWWM Mystery Romance Thriller by ReNita A. Burgess Page A

car. “Okay, hurry up. I’m ready to go home and have sex with my husband.”
    Jamika laughed as she jogged back through the trail. The restroom was a cabin styled building, across from the River Stone Lake.
    She stopped jogging when she heard what sounded like footsteps behind her. She saw the cold air from her breathing in the air. She looked over her shoulder, seeing darkness in the trail.
    “Is that you, Kris?” she asked. “I guess you had to pee too, huh? You hypocrite.”
    Silence.
    The footsteps got closer.
    The tree branches and leaves crunched.
    “Who’s there?” she asked again.
                  Jamika gasped when she felt someone grab her by the arm. Their hold was stern, almost cutting off blood circulation from the grip.
                  A rusty hammer was raised under the crescent moonlight. Jamika screamed as the hammer met her skull with a crushing blow. Her echo repeated loudly and dreadfully in the woods.
    Jamika was killed.
    Brutally.
    Killed in cold blood.
     
     
     
    Chapter 28
                 
    “She said that her friend went to use the restroom along the trail. Do you think this could be the same person that murdered Amanda Karpova and Amanda Stone?” asked Sheriff Foley. He was a round man with a thick mustache and a toupee that didn’t match his natural brown color.
                  “I’m not sure.” Said another officer. “If this was the same killer that had anything to do with the Karpova case we’d have to find out if this victim had anything linked to Ben Myers. We know it’s not Ben Myers that’s for sure, he’s locked up behind bars.”
                  Drew shut his car door behind him as he walked towards the murder scene at River Stone Park. Photographers stood around Jamika’s body taking photos. Officers and detectives were looking for clues.
                  “What do we have here?” asked Drew anxiously, he rested both hands on his hips.
                  “Take a look for yourself, Slater. Another killing.” said Detective O’Brian as he handed Drew the flashlight.
                  The yellow barricade tape was around the area of Jamika’s dead body.
    People were gathered around as officers and paramedics demanded that everyone keep back from the scene.
                  “Seems like someone is trying to give us a scare for Halloween. Three deaths of women within one month.” Detective O’Brian replied, taking a puff from his cigar. “Is it a trick or a treat?”
                  “This isn’t the time for games, O’Brian. The woman that was murdered was Simona’s best friend, Jamika.” Drew shot at him. “I don’t remember her last name, but I remember her during the time Simona and I dated.”
                  The sarcastic smile on O’Brian’s face quickly disappeared into a serious expression. He was embarrassed and had no idea the victim was a friend of Simona’s.
                  “Drew, I’m sorry. I…I had no idea.” He said.
                  Drew cut him off and stopped him by signaling his hand. “O’Neal, it’s okay. Don’t worry about it.”
                  “I overheard her friend Kristen mentioning that Jamika used to be involved with Benjamin Myers too. Is that true?” O’Brian asked curiously.
                  Drew didn’t seem surprised. “I have no idea.”
                  “That killer is still out there. Probably is a hitman that Benjamin Myers has or some crazy, ex-girlfriend of his.” Said O’Brian
                  Kristen was crying loudly in the background as she was being questioned by a few of the officers. Drew took a double look as he noticed Simona making her way through the crowd to embrace Kristen.
    The two women cried into each other’s arms over their best friend. Jamika who was now no longer with