I Know Lucy (A Fugitive #1)(45)

I let their voices turn to dust behind me as we walked back to the car. Colette called out a goodbye, but I didn’t turn to acknowledge her, just lifted my hand in a wave. Slamming into the car, I slumped back against the seat and kept my eyes ahead, ignoring my uncle’s probing gaze.

Eventually he sighed. “So where do you want to go next?”

“Luke thinks she might have transferred from George Washington High before attending Lowell. Do you think there’ll be any kids loitering around who we could talk to?”

“Yeah, bound to be.” Uncle Alex brought up a map on his phone. “Let’s head towards the school and see what we can find.”

I pulled away from the curb and followed my uncle’s directions towards Golden Gate Park.

“You okay, little bro?”

I nodded, but was shaking a big no on the inside. I didn’t know if I wanted to find out more. Dani now had three identities and I could guarantee that when we got to George Washington High, we’d find a fourth.

“So, who do you think this brother might be?” Alex pointed to the left and I took the turn.

“I don’t know,” I murmured. “It’s the first I’ve heard of him.”

“Maybe not.”

“Huh?” I glanced away from the road.

He squinted into the sun, scratching his short whiskers. “Do you think he sounded anything like the lunatic from the mall?”

My nod was slow as my brain caught up with what he was saying.

“Con artists don’t tend to work alone.” Clearing his throat, Uncle Alex almost looked guilty for saying it. He knew I didn’t want to admit that Dani was a con artist, but the information was making it hard to deny.

“I’m guessing the lunatic in the mall incident was not the plan. I’m guessing your girl was trying to pull a fast one on that Filmore kid, just like she did to Howard.”

“But something went wrong,” I muttered, “and her brother slash co-worker had to step in and help her.”

“I wonder what scared her?”

“I wonder what happened to the lunatic?”





Chapter 21





LUCY


December 2013





Lucy sipped her milkshake, trying not to flinch when Miles’ hand snaked under the table and up her thigh. She might be acting like a well-versed senior, but she wasn’t. She’d never had sex and no matter how much pressure her “boyfriend” was putting on her, she wasn’t going to cave. She’d been forced to allow him to second base a couple of times, but she drew the line there. Shorty would just have to deal with it. In spite of his annoyance, she was still getting the job done. Miles had bought her plenty of things already that they’d managed to re-sell. Today he wanted to buy her a necklace for Christmas. As soon as the shakes were done, they were heading to Tiffany’s. Lucy was relieved. If she managed to convince Miles to go rich on her, they might be able to make this the final act of the con. Although she had a sinking feeling Shorty would want to play him for more.

“So, after we go shopping, I thought we could go back to my place and celebrate Christmas a little early.” Miles’ lips fluttered over her neck, his hand inching higher up her thigh. His fingers were wriggling their way beneath her skirt, when she caught them and forced a light chuckle.

“You know I can’t tonight. My parents have a dinner planned.”

Miles shifted back with a growl. “And why won’t they let me come?”

“Because they’re weird and over-protective.” She ran her fingers into his hair, putting her flirt on full power. “If they knew I was dating a bad boy like you, they’d freak out.”

Miles’ crooked grin was practically malicious as he grabbed the back of her head and shoved his tongue in her mouth. She tried not to gag, but it was an effort. His kisses were always so invasive. She hated them, but she had a role to play and so she clutched the back of his head and moved her mouth against his, only pulling back when his free hand tried to slid between her thighs.

“Not here.” She pushed him back with a giggle, her heart thudding with relief when he slumped back in his seat.

“Then when?” His voice softened as he reached for her hand. “Come on, Riley, I’m ready. You can be my Christmas present.” He grinned.

“Christmas is still two weeks away.” Lucy tried to keep her voice light. “Besides babe, we’ve only been dating a month. I’m getting there.” Her voice turned smoky as she leaned towards him. “Please be patient. When it happens, it’s going to be epic.” She wiggled her eyebrows, making him laugh.

He was about to lean forward with another slobbering kiss when a voice stopped him.

“That’s not Miles Filmore, is it?” The man laughed as Miles shot back with a nervous grin. As soon as he saw the person behind Lucy, his face relaxed.

“Hello, sir.” He stretched out his hand.

Not really wanting to, but knowing it would look bad if she didn’t, Lucy spun in her chair to acknowledge the man.

Her insides froze.

Not again.

She couldn’t do this again.

Miles stood from his chair and grabbed Lucy’s hand, guiding her up. Her legs felt like straw as she stood. She briefly glanced at the blond man with his pale green eyes and then couldn’t take it.