I Know Lucy (A Fugitive #1)(42)

Initially I wanted to find out her secrets to give myself a reason not to fall for her, but now I wanted to prove myself wrong. I needed to discover that my imagination was on overdrive. I needed to find out that this girl was just Dani. The girl I was falling in love with.

“G’night, Zach.”

“G’night Dani.” I kissed her lightly one last time and took a memory shot of her dreamy smile, tucking it away forever. No matter what I would find out tomorrow, I’d always have this moment. As her body disappeared into the darkness, I pulled my phone free. I didn’t have the energy to talk, so instead sent a three-word text.

See you tomorrow.

The message swooshed away to Uncle Alex along with half my soul.





Chapter 20





ZACH


May 2014





Uncle Alex answered the door with a steaming mug of coffee in his hand.

“Don’t suppose you have a second one of those?” I asked him, bleary-eyed.

With a chuckle, he led me up the stairs and into the kitchen of his small apartment. I looked out the window, a little in awe as always. His apartment may be small, but it had the best view of the bay I’d ever seen. I could even see the edge of Alcatraz.

“Sugar, right?” Uncle Alex called over his shoulder.

“Just one.”

I picked up the newspapers sprawled over the table and read a few headlines. Nothing captured me. I could barely soak in the text. I’d been up half the night reliving the feel of Dani’s sweet tongue in my mouth.

“So.” My uncle placed a bright red mug on the table beside me before pulling out his chair and spinning it around. Throwing a leg on either side, he leaned his elbows against the back and gazed at me with those sharp blue eyes of his.

His wayward curls, unshaven face and easy smile made him look like a surfer, but those eyes — they were all business.

I blew on my coffee and took a quick sip, buying a few seconds to gather my thoughts. His eyes never left my face. I felt them drilling into me and eventually sighed.

“Her name’s Dani, at least I thought it was until I looked through Luke’s yearbook. He’s adamant the girl’s Riley Mitchell.”

“And you’re positive it’s not two different people?”

From my back pocket, I pulled out the photo I’d scanned and reprinted. Opening it up, I handed it to my uncle. “I’ve been looking at that girl for the last ten weeks. I know it’s her.”

“She’s pretty.”

“Yeah.” That thought should make me happy, but it just made this whole thing so much harder to bear. I was nervous about what we’d discover today. Part of me wanted to pull out now, but how could I let myself fall for a girl who was obviously hiding something pretty huge? It would be irresponsible. I wasn’t going down Stalker Chick Lane again…and besides the day was all about proving myself wrong…right?

“She means a lot to you, doesn’t she?” Uncle Alex passed the photo back.

I couldn’t speak. I just gave him a simple nod.

His lips quirked to the side with a bemused smile. “Did you hear from Luke about Miles’ family?”

I nodded, pulling out my phone and bringing up the text conversation. “His name is James, he’s a sophomore and plays soccer. He sometimes plays down at Balboa Park. Luke thinks we should try there first.” I put the phone down, not bothering to go into his next text asking what this was all about.

Gulping down the last of his coffee, Uncle Alex slapped the table and stood. “Alright then, let’s get started. Bring your coffee. It looks like you need it.” He slapped me on the shoulder as he walked past, grabbing his wallet and cellphone.

We took my car and I followed his directions to Balboa Park. It took about fifteen minutes to get there, my fingers gripping the wheel tightly the whole way. Uncle Alex tried to keep the chatter going, but my terse, short answers eventually made him shut up. I felt a little bad for being rude, but I was stressed. My insides were thrumming. What would I find out? What would James reveal about Riley?

I knew our chances of actually finding him at the park were slim. Luke was only guessing. We’d probably end up having to call my cousin for more clues, something I didn’t really want to do.

“Pull over here.” Uncle Alex pointed. I steered up next to the curb and stopped the car.

There were some guys playing soccer. We had no idea which one was James. Although I had looked up his freshman yearbook photo, I wasn’t sure I could pick him out.

Slamming the door closed behind me, I shoved the keys in my pocket and reluctantly walked towards the group. It was a sunny day, making the green park look inviting. People were milling around, families played Frisbee and little kids chased each other. A group of guys was playing soccer with a few spectators gathered nearby. It was obviously a casual, friendly game. I scanned the puffing players for James, but didn’t recognize any of them.

We slowed to a stop and Uncle Alex was the first to introduce himself. He approached a line of girls watching the guys chase a white ball around. I wasn’t much of a soccer fan myself, so I could understand some of their bored expressions. My charming uncle sidled up to them and started chatting. I could tell from their coy smiles that they were into his rogue looks and easy grin. He was always persuasive, which is what made him such a good reporter.