Code(49)

“I’ll be last out again,” Jason muttered. “My cards are terrible.” He slid an accusatory glance my way. “Why didn’t you pass me that ace?”

“I have no idea what you’re talking about. You’re supposed to be coaching me.”

“And yet, she’s crushing us,” said a red-haired boy across the table. “Unreal.”

I winked, happy to blend in. I’d finally started to unwind. Who knew parties could be fun?

Shelton and Hi had avoided more shots, but were holding beer-filled Solo cups. Holding had often led to sipping. I was toting my soft drink as cover. Somehow the three of us had been sucked into drinking games. Even me, although Jason was covering my losses as well as his own. The other players didn’t care either way.

I hoped the boys were being as careful as I was.

From the looks of things, they weren’t.

The hand ended, and Jason began gathering cards. “No more help for the genius. You’ve embarrassed us long enough.”

My smile widened. “Oh, poor baby.”

I checked for Ben, found him in the same spot by the keg. At that moment he was alone, staring into his cup.

Don’t leave him by himself.

“I’m quitting while I’m ahead.” Ignoring Jason’s protests, I rose and walked across the patio.

“Hey,” I said cheerfully.

Ben didn’t look up. “Hey. Having fun assimilating?”

“Ben, come on. They aren’t that bad. Even Shelton and Hi are having fun.”

I glanced back at the beer pong table. Shelton and Hi had finally lost, and were chugging their opponent’s remaining cups. Other players were cheering them on.

“Those two are going to be wasted.” I tried not to judge. “We’ll have to sneak them by their parents.”

“They’re acting like idiots.” Ben was glassy-eyed, his voice surly.

I wondered how many beers he’d downed.

“You think those people really like us?” Ben blurted. “That we’re all BFFs now? What a joke.”

“Everyone’s being nice. You could give them a chance.”

“We’re just tonight’s special entertainment.” He drained his cup and moved to refill it. “The flavor of the week.”

I sighed, but kept quiet. Once in a funk, Ben stayed funked.

Then my breath caught.

Chance Claybourne was walking toward the cabana. And he wasn’t alone.

Madison Dunkle clung to his arm.

Seeing them together jolted me. “I have to go.”

“Whatever.” Ben tipped back his cup, then wandered into the yard. “Go dance for the trust-fund babies.”

The barb stung, but I ignored him. As casually as possible, I moved closer to Chance and Madison, alarm bells clanging in my brain.

Madison saw me first. She whispered to Chance, then scurried toward the cabana. I scanned for Courtney and Ashley, but didn’t see them.

Had Madison and Chance come together?

I didn’t like what that implied. These were the two people I absolutely did not want comparing notes. Here, or anywhere.

“Tory.” Chance strolled to my side. “Fancy meeting you here.”

He arced an arm at the party, which was becoming more rowdy. Shelton was doing a keg stand, skinny legs flapping in the air. Hi was counting off his time.

Those morons! What are they thinking?

Chance’s voice pulled me back.

“Jason mentioned you needed help from the crime lab.” Chance cocked his head. “More covert police work? What this time?”

My mouth went dry. Head spinning. He sounded offhand, but his questions were too pointed for comfort.

“It’s nothing. Something for Kit.”

Chance smiled, dropped his voice. “I don’t believe you.”

“Suit yourself.”

“Oh, I intend to. And I’ll be watching. Cheers.”

With that, he joined the others in the cabana.

Enough for me. Time to go.

Just then I heard pounding feet, followed by a bellowing scream.

“CANNONBALL!!!!!”

I turned in time to see Hi launch himself skyward, tuck into a ball, and drop into the pool with an enormous splash.

Cups went flying as revelers attempted to dodge the spray.

Shelton was rolling on the grass, laughing hysterically. “He did it! Holy crap! I owe Hiram five bucks!”

Hi surfaced, spitting water. The party froze. Someone even killed the music.

“Come on, I nailed that!” Hi raised both fists. “Perfect ten.”

A beat, then laughter swept the patio, followed by a round of applause.

A boy from the soccer team leaped into the pool, followed by two others carrying screaming girls. In moments, a dozen drunks were splashing and roughhousing in the water.

I spied Jason sneaking my way, a wicked glint in his eyes.

“No you don’t!” I bolted. “I’m not going in!”

“Oh yes you are!” Jason hurdled deck furniture, chasing me around the pool. “My house, my rules, Brennan!”

Chance watched with distaste before withdrawing into the cabana.

We were on our second lap when Ben reappeared.

I whizzed by, just steps ahead of my pursuer. Startled, Ben grabbed Jason with both arms.