Ride the Lightning - Aimee Nicole Walker Page 0,40
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