In the Middle of Love's Crime *BWWM Mystery Romance Thriller by ReNita A. Burgess Page A

overheard Drew bring it up to him during the arrest. Apparently, the third one is not dead.” Simona rested her head back. The Korean woman placed Simona’s feet in the small tub.
    Simona, Kristen and Jamika all decided to get their manicures and pedicures one evening. Simona had to tell them the news of what was taking place in her life. They were all astonished that Ben could have something to do with the two murdered women he was cheating with.
    “That is so disgusting. It’s disgusting that he would cheat on you with so many women at the same time. How much of a pig can a guy be?” Kristen took a sip from her bottled water, closing her eyes as she enjoyed her feet massage.
    “A male slut sounds more like what he was. Simona, maybe you should get yourself checked out.” Jamika teased.
    Simona shot her an unappreciative look.
    “Jamika, this isn’t the time for games.” Said Kristen.
    “I’m serious! You don’t know anything about the women he was with. Oh, and you’re pregnant too. Mmm mmm. Definitely get yourself checked out, girl.” Replied Jamika, sarcastically.
    Simona rolled her eyes. “Thanks for the lecture, Mika.”
    “Just keepin it real.” She said.
    “So do you know anything about the other woman?” Kristen asked. “A little to the left there…aww.” She was really enjoying her massage. It was very much needed after giving a tour of new houses all day.
    Simona shook her head and rubbed her stomach. She was starting to feel the roundness of her stomach. “No, I don’t know much about her except that her name is ‘Emily’. It seems as though Drew knows her.”
    “Hmmm well, I’d find out about her and question her on some things. You need to know how much Ben was lying to you. What if they were plotting to kill you? Oh my God! That would be scary as shit!” Jamika shrieked.
    “Girl, you watch too much of those Lifetime movies. Stop being such a drama queen.” Simona sucked her teeth.
    Kristen cleared her throat, positioning herself in her seat to look Simona in the eyes. “You have to think about it, Simona. I mean, what if this Emily chick is the killer? What if she killed those other women and was in it with Ben for the long run? He was being secretive with you and you had no idea he was cheating with those women. Maybe you were next.” Kristen added.
    Simona thought her friends were getting ahead of themselves. She didn’t need any more stress on her than what she already had.
    “Can we just…take a break from this discussion?! Please!” Simona shouted.
    Kristen and Jamika saw a different side to Simona. Maybe it was the pregnancy hormones taking over.
    “Sure…sure.” Kristen slowly said. “It’s okay, Simona. We’re sorry.”
    Jamika chuckled softly. “Girl, you need to calm down. It doesn’t make any sense for you to get that kind of attitude with us. We are just looking out for you.”
    “Just let the situation go, Jamika. We’re all friends. We shouldn’t be arguing.” Kristen replied.
    Taking a deep breath, Jamika couldn’t hold it back any longer. There was something on her chest, something that she had to get off and confront Simona about.
    “A true friend wouldn’t cheat behind her best friend’s back with her fiancé.” Jamika responded.
    Simona looked up from her magazine at Jamika. “I didn’t cheat with your man. I barely know him.”
    Kristen placed a hand on Jamika’s arm, motioning for her to stop before she made matters worse. “Now is not the time or the place, Jamika.”
    “No, I have to tell her, Kristen. I just have to.” Jamika said as she held both hands up while closing her eyes.
    Simona leaned in. “What are you talking about?”
    Jamika sighed. “When you went to cover a news story in Greenville, I sorta cheated with Ben when I came by to return your hair dryer.”
    The three ladies were all quiet for a moment.
    “Wait, what do you mean ‘sorta’ cheated with Ben? Either you did or you didn’t. You mean to tell me that