I Know Lucy (A Fugitive #1)(39)

Lucy swallowed.

“We know his routine is a late night cap in the den. You bump into him with the water works already running, he tries to comfort you and we all know he’ll take it too far. Click, click, click and blackmail’s your uncle.” Shorty clapped his hands together with a chuckle and all Lucy could do was cringe.

“Hey.” Marlin rose from the couch and moved to stand beside her. Kneading her shoulders, he told her to relax. “We’ve worked out the security, we’ll be in position. The photos will be taken before things get too far. He’ll be so mortified at being caught with a minor, those pictures won’t see the light of day.” Crouching down at her feet, Marlin looked up at her, his grey eyes determined. “I won’t let him hurt you, Cy. I promise.”

“I know.” She squeezed his shoulder, forcing a grin. It still didn’t stop the shudder. Marlin may take the pictures before things got too far, but she still had to have that man’s grimy hands on her skin. Have his foul tongue in her mouth. Shorty had asked her to at least show a little flesh, she was thinking two buttons, tops. She’d maybe let the guy kiss her neck and then she was out of there.

She closed her eyes, her insides quaking.

“Hey, it’s gonna be okay.” Marlin squeezed her thigh. “You’re gonna do great. We’ll show him the photos on Saturday and by Sunday we’ll be in hiding while Shorty scouts out the next school.”

“I’ve already got a few in mind.” Shorty winked.

“Can we just deal with this one first please,” she spat, trying to rise from her chair. She was ready to storm out of the room, but Marlin stopped her. Pushing her back down into her seat. “Once this is done, we’ll get out of town for a few months, pull some different cons, then come back fresh for the new year. You’ve got nothing to worry about.”

She couldn’t bring herself to smile and tried to rise from her chair again. Marlin stopped her, keeping his hand on her shoulder. “Hey, you’ve got an essay to finish.” His wink and smile warmed her insides.

With a sigh, she gave into a small grin before swiveling in her chair and focusing her energy into dissecting To Kill A Mockingbird. She may not be around to get her marks, but she was damn well gonna try for an A.





Chapter 19





ZACH


May 2014





My cousin Luke texted me just as I was leaving the house. Miles Filmore had a younger brother, James. He was a sophomore this year. I texted Luke back, asking if he knew where he hung out and we went back and forth a few times. Luke was getting pretty curious by the end so I cut the conversation short, saying I was running late.

I had no idea if Dani would show up tonight. I was guessing no. My behavior today had hardly been stellar. She’d probably hole up with her dad all night. Man, he must be a piece of work. I wondered if it was him making her live a double life. Maybe he was some sort of criminal or something.

Clenching the wheel, I turned into Presidio Court and tried to push the thought aside. I didn’t want my friends dissecting me tonight. I just wanted to act like nothing was wrong. I pulled up next to Elliot’s Camaro and jumped out. Liesl’s silver Prius was parked to the left, which meant Jaeda and AJ were already here too.

It would be good to hang with them tonight. I needed to switch off before my world got turned upside down tomorrow. I know, slightly dramatic, but Dani meant a lot to me, more than I wanted her to and finding out the truth was freaking me out a little.

“Why didn’t you tell me she was coming?” I hadn’t even closed the door behind me before Elliot lightly punched my shoulder.

Okay, so Dani was here then. My heart rate tripled.

“I thought I did.” I pushed up my shirt-sleeves, wishing I actually had.

Elliot’s dark glare made me clear my throat and apologize. I threw my hands wide. “I can’t exactly ask her to leave now.”

“I know that, you douche. I just wished you’d told me.”

I gave him a winning smile and earned myself another punch in the arm. I gave it a rub as Jaeda swatted Elliot on my behalf.

“What is your problem?” Jaeda pointed at the kitchen. “She’s a sweetheart.”

“Who asked for a full tour of my house when she arrived. Who does that?”

“She did?” My insides hitched. I don’t know why they did, but the two identities thing was playing havoc with me. I kept coming back to the fact that Dani was somehow a liar. What kind of liar was the part I was uncertain about. Shit, what if she was some kind of con artist, here to rip off my best friend. Maybe she was just using me to get to Elliot.

“She didn’t ask for a tour, numbnuts. I offered her one.” Jaeda rolled her eyes at Elliot. “Mr Paranoia. You’re not going to be like this all evening, are you?” She leaned against Elliot, her red curls resting on his shoulder. “Please, Elly. Be nice. Please.” Jaeda’s cute pout matched her child like voice and Elliot soon caved with a smile.

My coiled stomach unwound a touch as I slid past them towards the kitchen. Having avoided her all day, I knew I wouldn’t get away with it now. Why had she come tonight? I thought for sure she’d bail.

My breath fled as I spotted her in the kitchen. If she wasn’t so beautiful this whole thing would be a hell of a lot easier. She was in tight jean shorts with a loose checkered shirt that covered most of the denim pants. Her long, muscular legs were on full show and damn, they were hot. I started at her bare feet and worked my way up to her fly-away strands of hair. They were tucked up in a messy knot, showing off her angular jaw.