sweetheart

Max followed her out the door, his arm snaking it’s way around her waist as they walked to his car. He honestly wasn’t hungry for much, he just wanted to spend some more time with Harlow. “Chinese?” He suggested as he opened his pick up truck door for her. He then moved around to the other side, hopping into the the drivers seat.  The moment Harlow got into the car, he wrapped a hand around the back of her neck and pulled her to him roughly. He crushed his lips over hers, letting his fingers flex into her hair line, tugging on her roots slightly. “Or maybe we could skip lunch and have a little fun instead?” He chuckled into her lips. 

Harlow leaned into him with his arm around her waist, smiling softly. Nodding, she glanced up at him. “Yeah, that sounds good.” Offering a soft ‘thanks’ when he opened the door for her, she climbed into the pick up, shutting the door behind her. 

She barely had time to shut the door because as soon as she did, Max grabbed her, crashing his lips to hers. Laughing at the motion, she should have expected as much. Without waiting another moment, she reciprocated, moving her body as close to his as she could, smiling against his lips. “That sounds much better, Max.”

“I’m glad we are on the same page then.” Max said with a smile. Ever since Georgia, he hadn’t felt like socializing much. But it was different with Harlow. He didn’t feel like being around her was a chore. He didn’t feel like he had to uphold any expectations around her. He liked that about their conversation and hang outs. 

“You better.” He said as he eyed her closely. He took a step towards her, partly wishing he was off of work so that they could go back to his place. “I would very much like to join.” He put his hand in his pocket, making sure he had his keys with him. “Let’s go before someone else comes and tries to get me to work on their car.” Max said as he moved towards the door and opened it for her.

“Me too.” She responded with a smile. Harlow wasn’t sure if anything would ever progress between the two of them besides being friends with benefits, but a pretty big part of her hoped it did. She wasn’t one to get her hopes up, though. 

“Sounds like a plan.” She watched as he moved around the counter, finding his keys. After he opened the door, she exited, waiting for him to follow. “What are you hungry for today? Lunch is on me because you’re driving me places.” Harlow insisted with a stern tone, offering no room for argument. “I’ll eat anything.”

“Very true.” He chuckled and nodded slowly. He didn’t tend to talk about cars with anyone. He just didn’t think people would understand so he chose to always make small talk. However, him and Harlow usually went further than just small talk. Much further. “I’d actually rather see you more.” He admitted with a smile. He wasn’t one to talk like this to many but Harlow was different. They had a… certain understanding when it came to their relationship. 

“It’s not just for you.” Max insisted. “I said I’d like to see you more. So it’s for me too.” He winked at her. “Whenever you need a ride, just call me. I’ll drop what I’m doing and drive you wherever you need to go.” He continued as he folded his arms across his chest. “If I let every pretty lady skip to the front of the line, nothing would get done.” He mused as he took a step towards her. “I’m on my break now so… would you like a ride somewhere?”

Harlow couldn’t stop the smile that had crept onto her lips while he spoke. It wasn’t a secret, she knew he liked to at least be around her. But to see more of her? That she was excited for. “Really? Well, that makes two of us, because I’d like to see you more as well.” 

Harlow blushed at his wink, unable to stop herself. “Alright.” She conceded, holding her hands up. “Whenever I need a ride, I’ll call you.” She couldn’t keep a straight face any more. “That’s fair.” She thought of the other things she had to do today, all of them were in walking distance, but she wasn’t going to pass up the offer. He was still on break right? “I have a break before I have to teach a class,” She checked her watch just to make sure, “I was going to go grab some lunch, you’re more than welcome to join if you’d like?” 

“Pffft.” Rico’d scoffed, dark brows furrowed just as deep as they could go. When Silas had answered the door, he’d forced his gaze from the impeccable detailing that wrapped around the outdated beach house. Clearly drunk, and low on attention span, once he’s no longer able to hold the other mans gaze, it shifts once again to the bottle in hand. “It’s not for you.” He’d muttered, grumbles silence by the sudden onset of the rim against his lips. The man was not accustomed to sharing his feelings with the class. If ever there were a person to earn an ‘A’ in compartmentalizing, it was Rico. It’d always been that way growing up, and even when he’d left the island. Especially then. One of his favorite things about Silas Sauvage, was that he never felt pressured to share. Whether Silas gave a shit or not didn’t matter. Rico was hurting in some way, and there were only two ways he could alleviate that pain. Both of them include Silas. One of them ends much more favorable than the other- but Rico isn’t picky. “Where the fuck were you all night?” He’d shoulder his way through the doorway, generally more concerned about his presence than he was at the moment. As a general rule, he’d tried not to wind up on the wrong side of Silas’ brother, Sawyer. A wealthy doctor with too many connections who could make the officer’s life difficult. Tonight, with the assistance of a murky bourbon, his reservations make their way out the window. “Suave island party, free booze, an abundance of ass.” He’d swivel on his heel after taking in the dimly lit room, a chaste grin devoid of emotion painted across his mouth. “Off cohorting with your slasher friend, eh?” To be clear… Rico is absolutely picking a fight. One with absolutely no base to his accusations. Something something daddy issues.

Silas eyed Rico with a raised brow, humorous smile on his face never having seen the man so drunk. And yet, he chose to bring his drunken ass to Silas. “I assumed it wasn’t,” Silas retorted quickly, watching Rico take another swig. “So, if you’re not here to share a drink, what can I help you with?” Silas was hoping for an answer, but as Rico continued speaking, it became clear that that’s not what the other man wanted at the current hour. How unfortunate. 

Stepping out of the way, Rico let himself in and Silas shut the door behind him. Crossing his arms in front of his chest, he listened to Rico ramble on about the party coming to a hilarious conclusion by the end. Silas couldn’t help the laugh that erupted from his chest. “My slasher friend? Oh, Rico, that’s rich.” He spoke through the laughter. “I’ll have you know I was at the party and I find it almost admirable that you’d think I was the one killing people.” He wasn’t offended. He probably should have been, but it was too funny at the moment. “It’s a bold assumption, not one I should entertain in your state,” He gestured the Rico’s entire being, “But, I’m bored, so, let’s see where this goes, huh?” Sitting down on the nearby sofa, he crossed one leg in front of the other, gesturing for Rico to sit down if he so choses. “What is the basis of these accusations, officer?”

Living with Silas was less like living with a brother, and more like living with a child. Sawyer wouldn’t deny it. He wouldn’t even play coy to the fact. His little brother knew he was a gigantic pain in the ass, and to be honest, he’s pretty sure that Silas enjoys this aspect of his life the most. No responsibilities. No demands.

But Sawyer would be one very lonely old man without him.

And he would never admit as much.

“I’m in the den you-” He’d dropped his tone so that Silas couldn’t hear the last bit, “heathen.” Sawyer thumbs through a random catalog that they’d received in the mail. Nothing he wanted in it, honestly. But the murders at the beach party at Isla Bonita had left him slightly shaken. He was having a hard time leaving the house. Didn’t feel much like congregating. “What do you want?” He flipped another page. “No you can’t have my debit card.”

At the sound of his brother’s disdain, Silas couldn’t help but smile. He lived for tormenting his siblings, it was his way of showing affection, much like an elementary schooler, he struggled with the term ‘boundaries’ sometimes. Making his way into the den, he found his brother seated exactly where he said he was, looking through some bogus magazine. Rolling his eyes at his comment, Silas took a seat across from him. “What? I’m not allowed to want to talk with my brother? How dare you assume I need your debit card. Also, I already memorized the numbers and your pin so I don’t need it anyway.” He threw in the last fact like it wasn’t extremely childish that he had memorized his brother’s card information. 

“You haven’t, at all, payed attention when I’m working? You’ve hung out around here enough. I would have thought that my knowledge would have rubbed off on you a little.” He chuckled, obviously joking with her. He would teach her what he knew, if that’s what she wanted. But most people, girls especially, didn’t want to know anything about what mechanics did. They just wanted their cars and bikes fixed and be sent on their way. 

“I will definitely make sure that smell goes away.” He nodded as he glanced towards her. “You don’t have to do that. I’ll drive you wherever you need to go.” Max said as he pushed himself from the counter. “It’s my fault I can’t fix your car in one day.” He, unfortunately, had other cars to work on. “Yeah, you could say that.” He smirked. “Although, I tend to prioritize. So the people that are nice about what they need done to their car, I’ll do them first. If someone comes in and is a dick about it, I’ll make sure they have to wait the longest.” A wider smile appeared on his lips. 

“Oddly enough, I don’t think any of our conversations have been about what you’re doing to my car, so it wouldn’t really make much sense if I magically picked up all your knowledge on cars. However,” She continued with a tease, pretending to be suddenly interesting in something on the counter. “If you wanted to see me around her less, you could always teach me how to fix my shit myself.” Finishing with a smile, she dropped her arms to the side again. 

Before she could thank him for assuring he would fix the car, he added that he would driver her places. Laughing softly, she shook her head. “You don’t have to do that for me, Max. I’m sure you’re a busy man and you don’t need to be toting me around whenever I need it.” Her eyes softened when she looked at him again, almost positive she was going to lose the battle anyway. “But, if you insist, how could I say no?” She matched his smile when he explained his process. Quickly deciding to tease him in the same way she shrugged. “Oh, I see how it is, I’m not even at the top of the list. Ouch, that hurts, Max.” Of course, as she spoke, the smile never left her lips. 

“I mean, I wouldn’t put it passed you, Darlin’.” Max chuckled as he leaned against the counter. He pressed his lips together into a thin line and nodded slowly. “A new noise, then.” He could have sworn that he had checked the whole car last time she brought it in, but he knew he could be wrong. And he also knew that parts on cars gave out unexpectedly. “You sure it’s not Bodhi?” He eyed her closely. “Maybe a rat crawled into your air vents and that’s what you’re smelling.” He smirked, partly joking. “I’ll see what I can do. It might take a couple of days though. I have a few projects piling up.” Max ran a hand through his hair. “Do you have any other way to get around?” 

“Well, then you have far more trust in my knowledge of vehicles than I do.” She returned with a smile. Harlow watched him carefully as he repeated everything she had said was wrong with her car this time. “I’m sure it’s not Bodhi.” She said with a scoff. “He doesn’t smell. And if it is a rat I trust you to get it out anyway.” Finishing with a flashing grin, she nodded when he said it would be a couple days. “That’s fine. No rush. I’ll just walk or bike.” There were for sure places that weren’t in biking distance, but she just hoped she wouldn’t have to go there until the car was back. “Must be getting pretty good business then?” She questioned, trying to keep friendly conversation.

“Too much fun gets you in trouble, Silas.” Saylor said, letting out a sigh as she offered a sweet smile towards her brother. “You can come to a good party and have a decent amount of fun without getting into any mischief.” She said as she slowly took a sip of her drink. “I wouldn’t be surprised if you’ve already caused some trouble while you’ve been here.” Her eyes scanned their surroundings. “I’m also surprised I don’t see you with an arm around some girl.” She tilted her head to the side. “Have you lost your charming touch?”

“Getting into trouble is part of the fun, Saylor.” Silas insisted with his signature smirk. Should he be talking about getting into trouble with his detective sister? It may not be the smartest move on his part, however, that’s never stopped him from running his mouth before. Placing his hand over his heart in mock offense, he gasped lightly. “I’m offended you’d even suggest that. Maybe I’m just waiting for the right person to walk my way.” He countered with a smile, knowing full well it was a lie. He just hadn’t found anyone that caught his attention yet. 

The moment he realized who it was, his smile softened. He ran a dirty hand through his now greasy hair as he walked towards the counter. “You certainly are.” He chuckled. He listened to her as she told him what was wrong, his smile growing. “Are you sure you didn’t do anything purposefully for it to do any of this again?” He asked, tilting his head to the side as he eyed her. “Because I’m pretty sure I fixed it fairly well last time you were here.” He leaned against the counter, running his tongue over his bottom lip. “It smells?” He asked, his eyebrows furrowing slightly. “And what, pray tell, does it sound like, darlin’?” 

Harlow playfully rolled her eyes, scoffing slightly at his accusation. “Yes, that’s the plot twist of my life. I’m so good at car stuff that I break whatever you fix just so I can come back in.” She laughed a little at her own stupid joke. “You did fix it. It’s making a sound again, just not in the same place. This time, it sounds like it’s coming from the back.” She set her keys on the counter and crossed her arms over her chest. “Yeah, it smells like wet dog. And I know it’s not Bodhi, because he hasn’t been in there in forever.” God, she knew it was a him being polite, but that ‘darlin’ got her every time. “It’s that god awful rattling noise. That sounds like the wheel is going to spin off? I promise I’m not that bad of a driver, the car is just ancient.” She insisted, not wanting him to think all of this was purposeful. 

With recent news of yet another death, Max chose to almost ignore it. Instead, he began throwing himself into his work again. It was the only thing, as of late, that kept him somewhat sane and his anger at bay. The anger he felt was always there, just waiting to be let out. But he wasn’t going to let that interfere with his work. 

Max wiped the sweat from his forehead with the back of his hand and stood slowly when he heard someone walk into the shop. “Just give me a moment–” Max said as he set down his tools and stood up. His shirt was drenched in sweat, but it didn’t bother him. “Alright.” He let out a breath and offered the other a smile. “What can I do for you?”

There were multiple reasons Harlow still drove the piece of shit car she bought years and years ago. One, she had money, but not as much as she wanted to be comfortable with the purchase of a new vehicle. Two, she lived and worked at the resort, so she didn’t need a new car, really. Three, she liked to bike or walk places that were close enough, plus, Bodhi needed the exercise. Four? Is it because she liked talking to the island mechanic? The world may never know. 

Regardless, her car was making weird noises again and she was pretty sure the air stopped working last week. Rolling up in the junk was not a great impression of her in the slightest and it was direct contrast to her appearance. She tried to keep herself looking put together while the rust bucket was quite literally falling apart. Sighing as she pushed the door open, the small bell dinging above her head, she waited for someone to help her. “No worries.” She called back, hovering around the front desk. As soon as he walked out she matched his smile. “Hey, I’m back.” She said with a small somewhat embarrassed laugh. “It’s making the noise again and the air conditioner stinks. Like actually smells so I don’t know what thats about.” 

Some would say that Silas is too immature for his own good, that being a bartender and living with his brother for the rest of his life was ridiculous. It didn’t matter though, Silas was more than content with his life. Coming and going as he pleased, sleeping with whoever he wanted, whenever he wanted, what could be better? Silas moved into the room speaking loudly, “I know you haven’t become a victim of the scary slasher, Sawyer, where are you?” 

Rico had vastly underestimated the situation on the Island. Moving back wasn’t a decision he’d taken lightly. Actually, it hadn’t really been his decision at all. As it turned out, there was a reason why fraternizing with your superiors was against the rules. Especially when said superiors erred on the side of petty, and bitter. Sending Rico back to Soleida Bay was meant to be a giant FUCK YOU. One where he’d be stranded four thousand miles away. Miserable. Everyone had heard rumors of the killings on the island. Local police were doing their best to capture the murderer before INTERPOL would need to step in and shut it down completely. How far would be too far? How long before someone like Rico or his brother were next? One of a million questions he’d had after the night at Isla Bonita had ended. Two bodies. No names confirmed. That didn’t matter, because there was no chance in hell that one of them wasn’t someone he, or one of his friends knew. Lucky for him, before he’d taken off, he’d managed to slip behind the tiki bar and snatch a label-less bottle of brown liquor. It didn’t even matter what it tasted like. Rico was drinking to be drunk. “Helloooooo.” Rico knocked lazily against a very familiar door, and took a long swig off of the bottle before he pressed his forehead against it’s surface. His words aren’t quite slurred, “I know you’re home, don’t ignore me.” Though he didn’t actually know if the man was home, and was making baseless accusations. “I know how to pick a fucking lock!”

@soleidaswthrts​

As soon as the bodies were discovered, Silas promptly made his way back to the house. He didn’t need to be anywhere near that bullshit that was ruining his whole island getaway life. Granted, he’d been at the island for the majority of his life, so this was nothing new. 

The slasher did however have a habit of ruining the fun. Was Silas afraid of him? Absolutely not. Should he be? Probably. Regardless, the Slasher had brought one of Silas’ new favorite pieces of ass back. Speaking of the devil himself, Silas head a rather aggressive knock on the door followed by a drunk sounding Rico. 

Rolling his eyes as he approached the door, Silas paid no mind to his threats. “I’m coming, take a breather.” Pulling the door open, he offered a smirk to the clearly inebriated agent. “Starting without me? How rude.” 

She feigned a gasp, though it was lazy as all hell. All bits of sarcasm were merely for their amusement at this point in their relationship. Sometimes, they’d even drawn up entire fights over the most ridiculous things, only to make up by dinner time for a slice and a margarita. “That’s only part of the reason we’re friends. And totally not even at the top of the list or anything.” Georgia waved a hand, nose tipping in the air. “Okay, okay. You know I’m not a supporter of alcohol abuse but.. This drink..” She stuck her tongue out, a disgusted expression crossing her features. “The resort has some new kid running the tiki bar and he’s awful.” George followed along behind her friend. “I don’t know if I can choke this down!”

Luz laughed, “Of course it is. You’d be insane not to take up a friendship based on free alcohol.” She knew Georgia too well, and the two consistently teased one another, so this was nothing new. Groaning loudly, she threw her head back as they walked. “Of course they do. Probably just turned legal too, huh? Guess I’m going to have pay and make my own drink.” Rolling her eyes, they continued to the bar. “It’s hard to beat a drink that’s made by me though.” 

“Officially on the job,” Nic confirmed, lowering the camera.Though, she must admit she was enjoying herself, as much was apparent by the easy smile that found her lips. The camera gave her an excuse to meet and chat with almost everyone, something she would have been anxious about doing otherwise. It was like a shield — a piece of body armor, and she used it to its full advantage. “I’m Nic,” she said, reaching her hand out by way of introduction. “I will say, I don’t find too many people so at ease in front of the lens, especially those who don’t know whether or not I’m just a stranger printing out photos to keep at home,” she laughed. “What would you have done if I said these were for my own personal collection?” 

Silas simply smiled at her confirmation, sipping his drink as she continued. Reaching out his hand to meet hers, he shook it offering his own name. “Silas. Pleasure to meet you, Nic.” He said with a confident smile. Laughing slightly at her comment, he shrugged. “Fortunately I’m not camera shy. And if they were, I would say you were pretty brazen to do that in such a public setting.” He finished eyeing the camera in her hand, trusting she was a professional. 

Luz. He should’ve known better than to let his guard down in her vicinity. But like a Latina Samurai, she was everywhere and nowhere, and Warren simply didn’t stand a chance. “Nothin’ that the sun can’t fix.” He replied dryly, whisking off a bit of pooled water back into the pool. “You know, one of these days you could just decide to go easy on me,  Luz. Even for a few hours. Doesn’t even got to be the whole twenty-four hours. I’ll even let you go out on the boat for free.”

Luz watched with a sinister smile as Warren spoke, asking to be left alone, essentially. Humming lightly, she answered, “I could, dear Warren, but what would be the fun in that?” She sighed slightly as she nudged him with her shoulder, “Also, contrary to what Georgia may have told you, I didn’t promise her anything.” She didn’t know if her friend had said anything to get Warren to come, but she knew them well enough that she assumed. “Having fun?”

Saylor wasn’t on duty, but she still couldn’t help but keep her eye out for any suspicious activity. Drug usage, being at the top of her list. She knew people tended to have more fun than not at Soleida Bay, but that didn’t mean they’d get away with it. 

Her eyes scanned the immediate area, smiling and happy that people were actually having a good time. She strolled to one of the bars and grabbed herself a drink, not only to sip on it, but to make sure she, herself, didn’t look suspicious. Her eyes caught on a familiar face and she moved towards them. “Not having too much fun, I hope.” She flashed her sweet smile at them. 

Silas was enjoying this party too much. A chance to mingle with islanders he hadn’t seen and an opportunity to meet a vacationer or two. Maybe take someone home, but who could say? The person he wasn’t expecting to run into was his sister. Putting on a polite smile as she scolded him, he turned to face her. “Always having too much fun. What’s the point if you’re not? Coming to the party seems a little pointless then, doesn’t it?”

Widened eyes followed Luz’ gaze, stare dropping to the cup in her hand as she burst into laughter. “Hey! A free drink is a free drink. A real friend wouldn’t be mad at ya girl taking full advantage.” She shrugged, fluttering her lashes. “Besides, there’s no way you’re passing up free rum. Where are you hiding your cocktail?”

Scoffing playfully, Luz turned back to her friend. “You act like I don’t give you free drinks. In fact, I think the only reason you’re my friend is so you can get free drinks.” Rolling her eyes, she knew Georgia knew her better than almost anyone. “Fine. I finished it about five minutes ago and needed a new one anyway.” Starting her walk back toward the bar, she turned over her shoulder, “C’mon, I’m not going alone.”