” I countered. She stuck out her tongue and grabbed the hem of her shirt. She fired a “Hey!” When I turned from her and looked at the bed.Jess h...d retrieved her clothes and hid behind the mounted camera. She fingered her shirt and I looked at Lidie. She shrugged. I shook my head to Jess. I think that must’ve been her first breath since I knocked.Raylea was laid out on the bed. She tried to pose with her arms draped back to the headboard. Her body a testament to surrender. She was Felix’s. I. You keep your hand on his wife."She laughed again and drew the file across her nail, savoring the slight pain it made as it scraped the fleshy side of her finger.Each day became worse for Gwen. The pain began to grow stronger, shoving through the haze that engulfed her whenever Allen used some of his "tricks" on her. By Thursday she was badly bruised and her lungs ached when she breathed."Here. Let me tie you to the door. That's a great way to do it. Sybil said you would love it." I'm tired,. We need to find a cheap motel." Not too cheap, I hope," she added."I'll keep that in mind," I said.The motel turned out to be an Econo-lodge at the first exit to Portland. I didn't even ask the rate for the double room, I just handed them the card. "You know I'm sure that Swamp Dog is going to bill the promoter for this room, so Joan is going to pay, sort of," I said."Good, then I don't feel so bad," she said."You know I don't believe for a minute that you cared anyway," I said. "I'm sure it. "So after a shower I made it to the courthouse fairly quickly. Eddie was waiting in Mrs. West office, which was beside mine. I still hadn't hired a receptionist so things were really running on the cheap in Warren County."Mornin' Boss," Eddie said."Morning Detective Simpson, so what is the plan for Rosie?" I asked. "Are you planning to barbecue her or fry her ass?" I asked."I like the way you think but he has a lawyer. I have called the Public Defender to send someone over. They are going to.