Read Online Laina Turner - Presley Thurman 08 - Vows & Victims by Laina Turner - Free Book Online Page B

talk to us. I wouldn’t if I were them, so the element of surprise would work best.”
    “Or maybe not. We will just have to be persuasive,” I said.
    Tobey pulled out of the parking lot and headed toward the first destination, which was in the next town over in Clermont, where the real estate company had been located.
    “Thank goodness for smart phones with GPS,” I said. “Makes finding places so much easier. So who are we visiting first?”
    “First on our list is Celeste Thomas. Worked at Clermont City Reality with Bethany and the other ladies. She’s twenty–six and was the receptionist.”
    “I find it interesting that in small towns such as Alkon and Clermont there could be something like a prostitution ring. I think of that as big city activity.”
    “Everyone wants sex, Presley, and some people are willing to pay for it. Where there’s a demand there are often people who want to cash in on filling that demand.”
    “I guess. We could have our own episode of City Confidential here. I loved watching that show with my dad. I don’t think it’s even on anymore.”
    “Especially with the Dirt thing. Are you worried about him being around?”
    “Of course I’m worried,” I said, “and maybe I’m crazy, but I don’t think he can stay around here for long without being spotted by the police. So either they will soon catch him or he’ll leave for somewhere safer and farther away.”
    “Let’s hope. It’s kind of creepy knowing he’s out there.”
    “I agree.”
    “OK, look for 26573. Even and odd numbers are divided and it looks like odd are on the right.”
    Tobey slowed so we could read mailboxes.
    “Don’t you think these houses seem a little high end for a twenty–six–year– old?” I asked. The homes were in a newer development with those extremely large custom homes that were way, way above my pay grade.
    “Maybe she still lives with her parents.”
    “True. Stop! We just passed it.”
    He put the car in reverse and backed up, then pulled forward a bit, parking next to the curb.
    “What exactly are we going to say?” Tobey asked me as we got out of the car.
    “The truth? That we want some information on Bethany. If you think that will work?”
    “I have no idea so we might as well just be up front. The worse she can do is slam the door in our faces,” he said cheerfully.
    We walked up to the house and rang the doorbell. I heard what sounded like small dogs in the house reacting to the sound with yappy barking of their own. A few seconds later, we heard footsteps and talking. I couldn’t tell what was being said, but I assumed it was someone telling those dogs to stop barking, because that’s what I would be saying. I loved animals, but the high–pitched barking of small dogs was really annoying after about two seconds.
    The door soon opened and a beautiful blonde, whom I presumed was Celeste, stood before us. What initially struck me was how she reminded me of all the women who had been working at Granville Group. Blonde, young, beautiful. It was almost a cookie cutter effect and made me feel trumpy in my Hudson jeans, cute strappy high heel silver sandals, and layered tee shirts. When I got dressed this morning I had liked the way I looked. Now I almost felt insecure next to this beauty.
    Did you have to be a beauty queen to work for Bethany? The dogs, Jack Russells it looked like, were jumping at her feet. Cute but annoying.
    “Hush!” she said to them, which really had no effect. “Sorry about that. They get a bit excited when we have new visitors. What can I help you with?” she said, smiling, seeming friendly. Which was a good skill to have if she indeed had been an escort, I couldn’t help but think. Each to his own and I didn’t think less of anyone for choosing that profession, but I did have a hard time understanding it.
    “Hi, I’m Presley Thurman and this is my friend, Tobey Stone. Sorry to drop in like this, but we had a few questions to ask you about