MY MURDEROUS MATE

PARANOID

I return to the table with our drinks. The guys are busy checking out the girls on stage dancing and groping one another. I take a seat and try to also enjoy. It’s strange that I don’t seem to get much enjoyment out of that type of woman. I like my women being intellectual while also being attractive. I’d hate to know that my true mate was ever in this type of situation where other guys lusted for her. Just thinking this has Dylan growling in my head.

I shake my head. The poor wolf still longs for his mate. He’s convinced that the moon goddess wouldn’t provide him with a mate. He says that he still feels that she is out there. I asked once how he could be certain and what if she had died. He told me that even if a true mate had not been found and then died that the other half would feel an emptiness. Dylan says that hole in his heart hasn’t revealed itself.

Nevin, “Tegan, snap out of it. You’re the only guy I know who can go to a titty bar and not focus on titties!”

I glance over at him giving him a go to hell look.

Oak, “So where is your stripper girlfriend? I haven’t seen her in a long time.”

“What stripper girlfriend?”

Oak, “You know, the one you banged in the car. It seemed like the two of you were hooking up a lot. In fact, the other chicks her knew not to hit on you. They think you had a stalker mentality.”

“A WHAT?”

Oak laughing, “Thought that would get your attention. Seriously though, one told me that since you only ever talked to the other girl that you must be obsessed with her. I’m like nah, he just has higher standards. Come to think of it, I probably shouldn’t have said that because she left me with a raging b***r. Chick walked out of the private room without finishing.”

That panicked me. If the other girls thought that about me then it’s possible that this lawsuit could turn sideways. I mean could they tie me into Saliana? f**k! Am I just paranoid?

“Oak, Nevin! I’ve got something to discuss with you that needs to be seriously kept quiet. The girl you’re talking about, she’s dead.”

Oak, “Dead? What do you mean dead?”

Nevin, “I’m pretty sure a doctor knows dead when sees dead, Oak. Sometimes I wonder how we are friends.”

“GUYS! I’m serious. She overdosed on heroin. She was pregnant. I couldn’t save her but I saved the baby.”

Oak, “Is the kid yours? Where is the kid?”

“No, I pulled the DNA and the markers don’t match mine. There was someone else besides me plus that was a one-time thing and happened before she was pregnant. The timing wouldn’t have matched up.”

Nevin, “Dude, did you check yourself for HIV or STDs since the chick was a user? The times I saw her, I sure wouldn’t peg her for a druggy.”

“I don’t think she was into drugs. The more I discover, the more I wonder if the overdose wasn’t her doing.”

Oak, “Like murder?”

“I don’t know. She wasn’t capable to speaking.”

Nevin, “What? You mean you were the doctor who took care of her? Wow! Good thing no one is connecting you with her or you could be a suspect.”

I huff, “I’m being sued. Her mother thinks I didn’t try hard enough to save her daughter. Rather, I chose to save the baby.”

Oak, “That makes you look like the number one suspect. I watch enough murder tv to know that all eyes are on you. Do you have an alibi? Or do you know who the baby daddy is? That would also be a suspect!”

“OAK! You’re a genius! We need to find out who baby daddy is! Can you two help me find out?”

Nevin, “Tegan! We’re here for you man. How can we help?”

I think for some time about how the guys can help without getting them into any trouble and without bringing them into my drama. “I have an idea that you two might not object.”

Nevin, “Care to share?”

“The best way is asking the other girls. Now, they won’t trust me from what you told me. I’m guessing you guys have a better rapport with some of them. How can we find out about the guy?”

Oak, “Couldn’t it be anyone? You realize she was a stripper. I’m sure there were hundreds of guys.”

“NO! She wasn’t like that. She was working her to survive until she could do better. I know that sounds strange but I did like her as a person. Our hooking up was one-time and it just kind of happened without any strings attached. I actually liked talking to her. She was sweet and had ambitions. Sadly, someone either purposely killed her or she was so distraught about something that she killed herself. I doubt the killing herself because most she-wolves are super protective over their unborn.”

Nevin, “I think I have a plan. No one knows that we know the girl is dead.”

Frustrated I say, “Saliana. Her name was Saliana. I really wish everyone would stop calling her the girl. She was a she-wolf and deserves so much more.”

Nevin, “Sorry! I didn’t mean to disrespect her. I’ll be sure to address her as you wish. Now, what if we hook up with a couple of the girls for more than a lap dance? Nothing long term obviously! More of an information gathering. We can say that we noticed them picking up more shifts and notice that Saliana hasn’t been around. Then, depending on how they respond, we can inquire to see if they know about baby daddy. Plus, we can see if they suspect anyone.”

“That’s brilliant. You two are my best friends for life! I appreciate this more than words could ever express.”

Oak, “We know you’d do the same for us! Now if you will excuse me, I see my prime target.”

He gets up and walks over a young female who probably is just around 18 years old. She would have to be at least of age to gain employment. I recall Oak being with her more than once. I wonder if he likes her or if she is truly just a hit.

Nevin, “What do we do with the information? If we find out who the guy is, do we notify Alpha or the security team?”

“For now, can we keep it between ourselves? I’d like to question or observe the guy. If he killed Saliana he may have left town or will try to cover-up. Unfortunately, we won’t know until we know. Can you just tell me and we’ll decide together?

Nevin, “Sure thing.”

“Oh and Nev, appreciate it! Just don’t get yourself involved in a dangerous situation!”