In the 1980s, guesthouses were similar to modern hotels in their tiered accommodations. At Greenfield County’s guesthouse, for instance, there were large dormitories where over a dozen people could sleep, either on damp ground floors or in basements, for just $1 a night. A step above were four-person rooms, with each bed costing $2 per night. Even better were private single rooms at $6, while the most luxurious option, the suite, was priced at $15 per night.
Suites were typically reserved for unit leaders traveling on official business.
Even then, units with tight budgets often balked at spending $15 a night for their leaders’ accommodations.
At Greenfield County’s guesthouse, the suite was empty most of the year. This was precisely the type of room Kay and Leo had chosen. With cream-colored tiles, deep red wooden furniture, bright lighting, and even a 14-inch television, it was far beyond anything Wesley had ever seen. The luxurious room left him utterly baffled about the true identities of Kay and Leo.
Why would law enforcement bring him to a guesthouse?
If they weren’t police, then what were they doing with a gun? Wesley’s unease only deepened.
Kay had been out all day. Spending time with Scarlett had kept him distracted, but now, back in the room and covered in sweat, he felt sticky and uncomfortable. When his eyes landed on Wesley’s sleazy demeanor, thoughts of the nasty rumors resurfaced, souring his mood further.
A man like Wesley didn’t deserve to sit on a chair—he might even ruin it.
“Stay squatting there and explain yourself properly,” Kay commanded.
Leo turned on the ceiling fan, its whirring dispersing some of the room’s stifling heat.
Wesley licked his lips nervously. “Sir, I really don’t know what you want me to explain. Could you give me a hint?”
Kay cast a sidelong glance at Leo.
Picking up on Kay’s foul mood, Leo grinned obsequiously and explained, “It’s about Scarlett, of course. I thought I’d leave it to you to handle, so I brought this moron in.”
No wonder Wesley was so bewildered.
Kay, slightly mollified by Leo’s reference to Scarlett as his “future wife,” lit a cigarette and gestured toward Wesley.
“Start talking. What’s the deal with Scarlett?”
They’re asking about Scarlett?
Wesley’s mind raced. “You two interested in her too? That woman’s wild—real easy to get with. Her arms are smooth, her chest—”
Mentioning Scarlett brought out Wesley’s pride.
His eyes lit up, and his words became more animated. He was practically bouncing as he spoke, but before he could finish, Kay delivered a kick that sent him sprawling. Kay didn’t hold back—Wesley collided with the corner of the wall and lay motionless for a while.
Kay, face dark with fury, grabbed Wesley by the hair and forced him to look up.
Wesley’s mouth was full of blood, and he lacked even the strength to struggle. That kick had likely injured his internal organs.
“Now, can you talk properly? I only want the truth. Lie to me, and you won’t get a second chance.”
Wesley had never believed it before, but now he understood that spreading rumors could get you killed.
Tears and snot streaming down his face, Wesley stammered:
“I-I’ll tell the truth! I never even touched Scarlett!”
Kay yanked his hair harder. “There’s no smoke without fire. The rumors about you and Scarlett are everywhere—there’s got to be a reason. Tell me, did you ever do anything to her?”
Wesley’s eyes darted nervously, and he hesitated to answer.
Kay slammed his head into the floor and cocked the gun with a loud click. The ferocity in Kay’s eyes made it clear he wasn’t bluffing—he would shoot.
Wesley banged his head on the floor in terror.
“Don’t kill me! Don’t kill me! I’ll talk! I’ll say everything! Scarlett’s beautiful. Two years ago, I was visiting relatives in Wellwater Village, and I fell for her at first sight. I grabbed her and teased her a bit, but that nosy Walter Janson stood up for her. After that, I didn’t get much of a chance to get close to Scarlett. I’d hang around Wellwater Village sometimes, but Scarlett’s fiery—I never really got anywhere with her… Later…”
Wesley hesitated, stumbling over his words. Leo raised a chair, ready to strike, and Wesley, realizing he had nothing left to lose, spilled everything.
