Free The Butcher by Jennifer Hillier

dorky. Whatever happened to those purple glasses you used to wear?”
    â€œI still have them.” She poked him in the ribs. “And you think I have a cute smile?”
    He rolled his eyes and they shared a laugh. It was always so easy with Jason. His personality was the exact opposite of Matt’s—light instead of dark, approachable rather than intimidating. He might not be the hardest worker right now, but Sam didn’t hold it against him. He’d made good money during his years with the Seahawks, and had invested his money wisely, and still picked up endorsement deals. He enjoyed life, something she wished Matt knew how to do.
    She pondered this casually for a moment until she spotted a woman coming toward her with an expectant look on her face. Light auburn curls framed a round face spattered lightly with freckles, and a shapeless black wool coat hid a fuller figure. Pretty, mid-forties . . . it had to be KillerRed.
    â€œI think that’s her,” Sam said in a low voice, taking a quick sip of her latte. “In fact, it has to be. Stay here, okay?”
    â€œYou don’t want me to come with you?”
    â€œJust stay here and keep an eye on me. I’ll go talk to her.”
    Jason looked dubious, but he didn’t argue. “Don’t stand too close to her. She could have a bottle of acid in her coat and she might throw it in your face.”
    â€œOh my God, enough. Seriously, who would do that?”
    â€œI told you, crazy people. Just be careful and keep your distance. I’ll be right here. Shout if there’s any trouble. Actually, no. Run first, and I’ll follow.”
    â€œShut up. You’re not helping to quell my nerves.”
    Handing Jason her latte, Sam started walking toward the woman, who was about twenty feet away. She smiled, and the woman smiled back, but as they got closer, the older woman’s face paled, and she staggered.
    Sam made it to her just in time to catch her before she fell over.
    â€œI’m sorry,” the auburn-haired woman said when she regained her balance. Her hand flew to her throat, and she began to rub the pendant that was hanging on the end of the chain around her neck. The pendant was a little gold bear, but not cutesy like Winnie the Pooh. It was modeled after a real bear, and it seemed a curious choice for jewelry. Her green eyes were huge and they never left Sam’s face. “I just . . . oh my God, I wasn’t expecting this.”
    â€œYou must be KillerRed.” Sam kept a hand on the woman’s arm until she was sure she wouldn’t fall over again.
    â€œYes, I am. I mean, I’m Bonnie. Bonnie Tidwell.” The older woman continued to stare at Sam in shock. “Pardon my language, but holy shit. I thought I was seeing a ghost. You look just like Sarah.”
    Sam nodded. There was no point in pretending. “I’m Samantha. Sarah’s daughter.”
    Tears filled Bonnie’s eyes and she blinked them back. “Of course you are.” Reaching forward, she grabbed Sam in a tight hug. “Of course you are. Holy shit. This is incredible.” She pulled back. “Do you know there hasn’t been a single day when I haven’t thought about you? Wondered how you were?”
    Sam nodded, feeling a little emotional herself. “That’s sweet of you to say. You knew my mom well, I take it?”
    Bonnie reached for her necklace again, rubbing the little gold bear. “We were best friends. I loved her very much. I helped take care of you,you know.” The older woman smiled sadly. “You were a really good baby. God, I’m so glad to know you’re okay.”
    â€œI’m okay,” Sam said with a smile. “I promise. I don’t remember you, though. I wish I did.”
    Bonnie nodded. “You were so little when she died. I wanted to keep you, but you were sent into foster care.” She touched Sam’s face briefly.