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familiar name. “Jervis?”
    “Yes. I’m Gabe, Tegan's brother. I need your help.”
    “I can't help you.” Avery attempted to slam the door but he placed his hand on it and held it in place.
    “Please Avery, may I call you that? My parents need answers. They want to know who killed their daughter and why. I need to know who mutilated my beautiful sister.”
    Avery sighed. What did she have to lose? She had already lost everything that was dear to her, if Vince killed her it may be a blessing. “Come in.” She held the door open and Gabe stepped inside.
    The apartment was as filthy and run down inside as it was from the outside. He glanced around at the bare room as Avery ushered him to a chair, one of two at a small plastic table. It was pitiful. He sat down.
    “Sorry, I can offer you a glass of water but I have no tea or coffee. My power has been turned off. I couldn't pay the bill. The water will probably be disconnected next.”
    “Water is fine, thank you. You get straight to the point don't you?” He spoke to her back as she filled a glass with tap water.
    After placing the glass in front of him she sat down. He noted the pile of envelopes on the table between them. She pushed them aside.
    “No use hiding anything from you. You're a cop and will find out any way.”
    “Maybe,” he chuckled. He liked this girl, she seemed honest and forthright, something he hadn’t expected. “Can I ask you some questions?”
    “You can ask as many questions as you like. I can't promise I will answer them.” Avery knew in her heart; she would answer whatever he asked. For the first time in weeks she felt like she had someone who would help and protect her. A light at the end of a dark, deep tunnel. But, if she opened up would he listen? Would he believe her?



Chapter Five
    Gabe swallowed a mouthful of water and set the glass down. He studied Avery's face before he spoke. She squirmed under his gaze. He reached for her hand and gently caressed it between both of his. “Don't be afraid, Avery. I promise I won't hurt you.”
    The words and the gentle touch set a fire burning in Avery's belly. She wanted to throw herself into his arms and allow him to take care of her for the rest of her life. “I know,” she whispered.
    “How did you meet Tegan?”
    “I met her at the club. She started about a week after me.”
    “Is that your only job?”
    “No?”
    Now Gabe was confused. “You have another job?” Why the hell does she live in a dump like this if she has two incomes?
    “Yes, well …. no, I had a job as a PA and Accountant for a firm in town. I was fired.”
    “Are you still, um…. dancing at the club?”
    “Call it what it is, stripping, and no, I quit.”
    Gabe was still confused but he knew in his gut, there was something that wasn’t making sense. Something he didn’t quite understand.
    “Why did you get fired from your day job and why did you quit stripping?”
    “It's a long story.”
    “Can you tell me about it if I feed you? Seeing as you have no power, how about I order in Chinese?”
    Avery locked eyes with him. “I'll tell you whether you feed me or not. I'm tired. Tired of hiding, the lies. I don't give a fuck what happens anymore.”
    Gabe noted the utter despair in the woman’s beautiful eyes. He used his cell phone to order the food and returned to the questioning while they waited for the delivery. “Are you ready to tell me what happened?”
    Avery nodded.
    Gabe re-gathered her hand hoping to strengthen her resolve. He also wanted to hold her. To feel the silky softness of her skin. His cock flinched as the warmth of her hands seeped into his body. He would address these strange feelings later.
    “I studied Accounting at University and graduated with Honors just over two years ago. I secured a coveted position with James Ro & Associates as Mr. Ro's PA and Personal Accountant.”
    Gabe whistled. “Prestigious firm. Difficult to get a job there from what I've heard. You must be