I open the internal messaging, and guilt floods me. We now have five messages waiting on responses. “I’m sorry, Maren. I should have been more on top of these.”
“It’s okay, you’ve been busy. I understand. Remember, I thought I was in love once, and besides, it’s not like you could walk into Walker’s house and immediately log on your computer. I get it.”
Now, the guilt runs rampant. The first thing I did after planting the GPS on Justin’s car was call her. She checked it was working on her tracking system, while I dove into the details of what happened with Walker. She cooed and sighed at all the right points, telling me repeatedly how happy she was for me.
“Speaking of Walker, where does he think you are tonight?”
“He knows we’re hanging out. The drug case is taking up a lot of his time.”
“Same case?”
“Kinda, he doesn’t tell me much, but mentioned this weekend would be spent with those agents from SLED.”
“That works out. Let’s do a spa day at Rachel’s salon and then spend the evening on Trixsters.”
“Sounds heavenly.” I picture the plush spa and full services at our disposal.
The rest of the drive, I read the emails to her and we work out our responses. Two more referrals from Jean Wills, which we decide to take immediately, forwarding the basic information. One of the inquiries from last night is a cancellation. Apparently, this man didn’t need any further proof since his wife willingly admitted to having an affair.
The title in the subject of the next one catches my attention.
To: Trixsters Anonymous
From: {Website Contact- Anon 14}
Subject: Serial Online Scammer!
Dear Trixsters,
About 6 months ago, I met ‘Felix’ on a reputable online dating site. He swept me off my feet, and I stupidly believed he was interested in me. I was wrong. Then I discovered his biggest secret.
He’s not Felix. He’s Bob, Matt, and Kevin. At least, that’s what he’s told the other unsuspecting women he’s been charming all over town. Now, we’ve banned together with one goal in mind, to bring his scum-sucking ass down.
We have money, and we’re willing to pay generously for your services.
Sincerely,
Stacy
“That’s it? What services are they looking for? It seems they already know he’s a liar. What could they possibly want with us?” Maren asks.
“There’s another one, I think it’s from her, too, based on the subject line.”
“Well, read it.” She instructs me impatiently.
To: Trixsters Anonymous
From: {Website Contact- Anon 15}
Subject: Serial Online Scammer Part 2- Read More
Dear Trixsters,
After I hit send, I realized I let my emotions get the best of me and didn’t give many details. So here goes:
After my divorce, it took a while for me to even consider dipping my toes in the dating pool. My friends convinced me that meeting men online was a perfectly safe way to meet people. This was my first experience with online dating, and I was skeptical, but I relented and created a profile, careful to disclose only basic information about myself. My first few dates were during the day, coffee shops, local diners—safe places. That’s how I met Felix. He was my third attempt. We hit it off immediately, and after two lunches, I agreed to dinner.
One dinner was all it took. He charmed the pants off of me—literally and figuratively. I woke the next day with regret and anxiety, but he erased those fears. I pulled back, and he respected my wishes to take things slow. After three months, he wore me down, filling my head with all sorts of enchanting thoughts. I was transformed back thirty years ago when I first met my husband and my vision was clouded with rose-colored glasses. I fell hard and fast, and he took advantage of my vulnerability.