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Fiction > Thriller
Liquid Bones
Cassandra Zaruba
The people living on the outskirts of Bismarck, North Dakota rarely see a crime worse than petty theft. So when a couple of residents disappear, no one guesses that they were murdered. Five key characters piece together the story: Emilia is a recent college graduate on her way to North Dakota to care for her last living relative. Luke is an art dealer whose real passion is snowboarding. Gavin is a basketball player-turned-coach with a guilty conscience, and Caleb, a theology student, is tormented by unpredictable and unwarranted visions. The final character, known as “The Emperor of Ice Cream,” is a former psychiatrist and hypnotherapist who turns into a seemingly deranged killer. These characters’ lives become intertwined in a series of events that lead to the shocking truth of who the Emperor really is.
“Wow,” said Patti, who never saw Chase act this way before. “Are you okay, Meda?”
“Sure,” replied Meda, who was now feeling regretful about the situation. “I’ve broken some hearts in my day kid, but I’ve never been subjected to a lecture like that before. I hope he’ll be all right. I never knew there was a side of him like that.”
“Me either,” said Patti as she watched him walk to his car. “But he really did like you. Not that it was your obligation to like him in return. I’ll call him tonight to make sure he doesn’t do anything else out of character.”
“It almost makes me wish I did take a chance on him.”
“Are you kidding me? He just verbally punked you out. I would be so angry with him. I mean I know he was hurt when you rejected him, and I guess maybe you should have said goodbye to him before leaving, but he went a little far don’t ya think?”
“No, Patti. I don’t quite see it the same way. Evidently I really hurt him. Like you said, I wasn’t under any obligation to like him back, but I probably could have treated him better. When he said that he was in love, and not lust, with me, it really makes me think. Most men go after me because of my looks, not in spite of them. Maybe he wouldn’t have been such a wrong person for me. I know I like living on the edge and he doesn’t, but there is something to be said for a nice, quiet existence. I also have a terrible trait of needing the best of everything and I sincerely doubt Chase could have provided me with those kinds of luxuries. Maybe if I wasn’t so hung up on life’s unnecessary things, I’d choose my men based on more practical reasons.”
“Am I hearing you correct?” asked Patti. “Are you having a last minute change of heart toward Chase?”
“I don’t know. I’m legitimately confused. Maybe I did make a mistake in not taking him more seriously. He’s attractive, hardworking and generous. He’s been one of the most respected employees at the factory ever since I’ve known him. He helps his grandmother out. He even ran off a guy I was dating when the guy was about to get out of hand. Chase may not be what I envision as the perfect man, but he’s a lot better than most of the guys out there. If I were younger, I might consider canceling my moving plans to be with him. He’s a rare find.”
“I’ve known that all along. He was too in love with you to take notice of me. I would’ve done almost anything for him to ask me out. But that’s water under the bridge now. Rob is my man and I’m committed to him. Too bad you’re moving to Hawaii, because I know Chase would go out with you in the blink of an eye.”
“Even after everything he just said to me?”
“Couldn’t you tell how emotional he was? If you didn’t mean anything to him, he never would’ve said those things. He’s had it bad for you for so long I doubt he’s already cured. Maybe this Cara girl he met tonight will be the lucky one who ends up with him.”
“Maybe,” was Meda’s response, coupled with a devious smile.
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