Novels by PC Stephen

PRESENT DAY“I am still wondering how Monet wound up dead and I can't even investigate it if I don't want to lose my head,” North said, playing with the food on the plate.I had nothing to say except mask my guilt. Monet was going to kill me because she thought I was going to hurt her ex boyfriend. They both really loved each other and I could not stand and watch both of them be happy together when I was dying inside of me.Maybe I could use North’s grief and loneliness to step up my game and enter another level. He was really suspicious and we were lying to one another. He knew about Bilen's death even though I lied to him that I was the one that killed Bilen, and my killing of Monet was proof of that.I was dealing with dangerous people here and it made my guard up. If they were dangerous, then I would be the goddess of danger. It was either being the scapegoat or setting trap for the goat.In this game that we are all playing here, I will not be the sore loser.“So what are you goi

North rose from the couch to go get drinks, leaving his phone. I sought that as an opportunity to seal the deal with Monet. After all, he requested my help earlier.I took his phone, unlocked it and typed a text to someone he claimed to love the most before sending and deleting it the minute Monet saw it. Monet was typing and at the end, she sent a thumbs up emoji.Deleting all traces of my communication with Monet, I dropped North's phone where I had taken it from and acted like nothing had happened.“Tesfaye really needs a better mixologist,” North said as soon as he returned with two glasses of what I assumed to be margarita.“What about Jerry? Does he suck?” I asked, stretching out to collect a glass.“Jerry is just Jerry.” North sat down on the couch and took a long sip from the glass. He scrunched up his face. “The last time I had a drink like this was the first time I met Monet at a club.”I rolled my eyes. Can't he just keep shut up about Monet for a minute? “So you've actuall

I kept on staring at North, a pang of guilt lounging at the back of my mind. He looked miserable and I had an inkling he knew I had something to do with Monet's death.TWO DAYS EARLIER My heart kept on pounding the way my fist was pounding down against Monet's door. I needed to clear up the situation with her because Tesfaye was becoming suspicious of North and I and it was unsettling.The chattering and laughing of students walking down the hallway was frightening and it made me feel disturbed. Something had to be done in order to contain the beast that might rise up to stir some unattended issues.I kept on knocking on her door, but there was no answer until the door flung open and whoever was at the other side of the door was not Monet Morales at all.“Hi?” The girl at the door looked at me from head to toe, flashing a wry smile.I swallowed the bile that formed at the back of my throat. “Hey, sorry to disturb you. But is Monet in?”“Uh…” the girl took a peek inside the room, and

NORTH CAMPBELL My heart shouldn't have been pounding when the doorbell rang. I had a feeling that Tesfaye had sent someone over to put a bullet through my head, but when I looked through the security camera, I was taken aback.Zamani was standing outside, her hands shoved in her pocket and I wondered what business she had with me this morning. After promising not to snitch on me, she went ahead to do what was in her mind.I pressed the intercom. “What d’you want, girlie?”Zamani raised her eyes to the camera and though the view was distorted, I noticed her brown beautiful eyes and I could not stay mad at her forever. “I just want to talk, North.”I pressed a button to unlock the door and the gates buzzed. Zamani climbed up the staircase and within a minute, she was knocking at the door. I swung the door open for her, but she just stood at the entrance.Evidence of a long and hectic night was drawn on her face, with the edges of her eyes slightly reddened and the shadows beneath them.

If only I was in the right state of mind, I wouldn't have knocked Monet out and tied her hands and legs, despite North's clear warnings. I did not feel obligated to Nightcore, I was doing this for myself because Monet would eventually become a problem for me, and I didn't want to deal with the situation when it got out of hand.Gathering all of my womanly strength, I carried her and put inside the car she drove here. I had texted her earlier using North's phone to meet at Westwood lake, and then deleted the texts. I don't care, but I'll kill just to have my own way. And my way includes finding Bilen’s killer.I turned on the ignition of the car, wound down the windows and closed the door, before going over to the back and pushed it into the water. I was literally getting baptized because of a sin that was as stupid as I am.I got out of the water and wore my boots, hoping no one had seen me exit the crime scene. This better be worth it because anyone involved with Nightcore, will hear

“Zamani Araya, word on the street is that you are good for business, which is why I want to offer you a job as a bartender in Midnight Oasis’ underground club,” Tesfaye said, a cringe smile plastered across his face, while taking a drag of his cigar.My palms were clammy with sweat and a rush of adrenaline was surging up my spine. A proud smile crept up my face. “Really? You want to have me around?”“Unless you are a snitch. Moreover, your boyfriend recommended you,” Tesfaye said, pointing at North.I directed my gaze at North. “You really did this for me?”North shrugged. “I mean you've helped me out, so it's my turn to help you.”“Thanks man. I appreciate it.” I eyed North cautiously, he was up to something suspicious and even though he didn't want me in the gang, he saw me as a potential murderer and someone to clean up his mess. “Umm…when can I start work?” I fidgeted a little, getting nervous.Tesfaye chuckled. “Tonight. Your boyfriend will show you around.”North huffed. “Boss,