I Know Lucy (A Fugitive #1)(68)
She tipped her head, picking up a loose stick at her feet and digging it into the ground beside her.
“You need money to get to Mexico.”
She could do one last con, score herself enough money to hit the road and never look back. She’d have to be careful. If the killer was still looking for her, he could track her at a school, but she could give herself a new name.
The idea of wearing a wig and going totally hidden made her wrinkle her nose. No, she needed to think of a con where she could be as close to herself as possible, although she’d have to have at least one spare disguise. She had to have options…an out if necessary. She’d need a wealthy school. The pool for deceit was so much bigger in those. Not San Fran though. She needed to go small town. She needed to find a wealthy little pocket nearby that was ripe for the picking.
Pushing herself up, she brushed her pants off and straightened her sweater. She needed to get organized. A plan started forming in her head as she stepped over the pine needles and made her way to the road. She needed to get to a computer and do a little research, but first…she headed towards the main campground, she needed some new clothes.
Chapter 33
ZACH
May 2014
“I just don’t know what’s wrong with him. He’s been moping for days now. I’ve never seen him so depressed. Maybe we shouldn’t be going to Europe.”
I rolled my eyes at Mom’s whispered words and stepped into the room.
“Mom, you guys are going to Europe. You’ve been planning it for months.”
“Are you sure you don’t want to come with us?”
“Yes, I’m sure.” I walked to the toaster and fished out two slices of brown bread from the bag beside it.
“We’re just worried about you, Zach. That’s all.” My dad shoved his hands in his pockets, the way he always does when he’s nervous. He hates any form of conflict. “Jaeda called again. I told her you were sleeping in.”
“Thanks,” I mumbled. I hadn’t really spoken to my friends since going off at Elliot. I knew we had to make amends at some point, but like hell I was initiating. I didn’t have it in me.
“Is this…?” Mom flicked a glance at Dad. ‘This isn’t about that girl, is it? Dani?”
I sighed, leaning back against the counter. “I just miss her and I wish she’d stuck around to say goodbye.”
“Well, maybe she’ll be in touch once she’s settled. You did say her father’s job was very erratic. She must be so tired of moving around, the poor girl.”
“Yeah.” I ran my tongue over my bottom teeth and turned to deal with my toast.
Mom was hovering behind me, waiting to offer me any kind of assistance. It was an effort not to spin and tell her to get lost.
“Hey-ho!” Uncle Alex’s loud greeting was a pleasant relief. Mom spun to the door as Dad’s face bloomed into a wide grin.
“Well, hello there. What brings you to Danville?”
Uncle Alex lightly punched his older brother in the arm. “Just wondering if I can hang out with the Zach-man for a little while.”
I glanced over my shoulder and saw a manilla file in his hands. The day Dani left, I called him and told him to stop looking. He was disappointed with my decision, but I was adamant. Dani had gone. I couldn’t help her, so what was the point of looking into her past.
Taking my sweet time, I buttered my toast to the very edges before smearing it with Mom’s apple cinnamon jelly. I didn’t bother cutting it in half, just turned with the full piece of bread in my hand.
Uncle Alex was watching me as he spoke to my parents, eyeing up my reaction to his presence. I didn’t give him one. Eventually the conversation ebbed and he pointed at me.
“Let’s go, little bro. I’m taking you out for coffee.”
“Oh well that’s nice.” Mom squeezed his shoulder looking more than relieved.
I reluctantly followed him to the door and shoved on my shoes. I wasn’t in the mood to talk and so we stayed silent as he drove me to a diner just outside of town.
“Not this one.” I pointed at it.
“It’s perfect. There’s hardly anyone here.” Uncle Alex opened the door and got out before I could protest. I gazed at the glass windows, picturing myself inside, writing notes as I tried to figure out who Dani was. I still didn’t know. Not really.
With a sigh, I pushed the door with my shoulder and got out, scuffing my way over the parking lot and up the stairs.
Uncle Alex ordered two coffees and an apricot danish.
“Want anything?” He pointed his thumb at me.
I shook my head and walked to the corner booth.
“Nice choice.” Uncle Alex slid in opposite me and glanced out the window. We were practically the only ones here, but it was Saturday morning. It would likely fill up soon.
“So.” He slapped the folder down on the table. “It’s been two weeks. Any word from her?”
“Nope.” I accentuated the P, which just made me sound pissy, but I didn’t care. I was fluctuating between anger and despair. It was like being in one of those pirate ships at an amusement park, swinging up then down, up then down. My stomach was in constant knots that I couldn’t seem to loosen.