Back at the table, Tasha hung onto my arm and laughed a lot. We slurped our drinks and smiled at each other. We didn’t say much—we couldn’t because of the noise level—but I didn’t care. A few juniors came in and joined Andy and Pol at their table. Jared Winston, a friend of the twins, sat down beside Pol. She seemed to liven up, which both relieved and irritated me. But I had no time to wonder why because Tasha was tugging at my hand.
“It’s noisy in here. Want to go for a walk?”
I swallowed. “Sure.”
Tonight was my lucky night! Tasha wanted to make out with me! Every cell in my body began to tingle. Where could we go for some privacy? Probably her car.
I got up and was following Tasha to the back door when Jess shouted out her name.
“What now?” She turned to her friend, who was frantically gesturing that she should return to the table.
Tasha shook her head. “I’ll be back soon.”
“You have to come now!” Jess called back. “Rick’s here.”
Tasha let out an exaggerated sigh as she retraced her steps slowly, as though she was returning against her will. All for show, I knew, because her small frame gave off a raw wave of emotion that almost knocked me off my feet. She was fixated on the guy walking toward her. I’d been totally forgotten.
Rick looked to be a college sophomore, with the broad shoulders and confidence of a football quarterback. Though his face wore an expression of fury, I sensed his vulnerability and pain.
They stood inches apart scowling at each other. I hated how Tasha seemed to melt inside. How it took every bit of self-control not to throw herself into Rick’s arms.
Though Rick spoke softly, I heard his words and his desperation. “Tasha, this is stupid. We need to talk.”
She turned away. Rick placed a hand on her arm as though it belonged there.
I pushed my way through the crowd. What an idiot I’d been to think Tasha was interested in me. Once again, I’d been someone’s pawn. A flash of anger shot through me. Tasha had used me as a boy toy—someone to flirt with and tease until she and her boyfriend made up.
I stood outside Carlie’s, furious with myself. What was I doing there anyway, gushing over a flighty cheerleader? I had things to take care of, important things, like escaping from Raymond Davenport and seeing to it he was put away so he could never kill again. I gulped down air, ready to take off. Then I realized I had company.
“Ready to call it a night?” Andy asked.
I nodded.
“Pol and I will walk with you—unless you want to run home.”
“I’d rather walk back with you guys.”
We fell into step, a twin on each side of me. I gave Pol a half smile as we set off.
“Carlie’s ice cream’s not half bad,” she said.
“Not half bad,” I agreed.
I was glad she was no longer angry at me. That she’d resisted making a nasty crack about Tasha. We walked home in silence, a comfortable silence that required no words.
As we approached the block where the twins lived, Andy asked, “What are you doing tomorrow?”
“I’m not sure.”
“I’ll probably go to the pool in the afternoon,” Andy said. “It’s supposed to be a scorcher.”
“I’ll probably go to the pool, too,” Pol said.
“Oh, yeah? Then maybe I’ll meet you there. Around two?”
“See you then,” the twins said in unison.
I walked home slowly. Andy and Pol were friends. Real friends. They cared about me and looked out for me. I smiled, remembering how angry Pol had been earlier this evening. She knew I was making a fool of myself with Tasha, but hadn’t the heart to spell it out. And Andy was always there for me.
I’d remember them long after I left Buckley.
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
THE NEXT MORNING I was helping Aunt Mary clear the breakfast dishes when the doorbell rang.
“I’ll get it,” Raymond called out. I gritted my teeth, hoping it wasn’t Craig.
“Look who’s come to visit!”
My mouth fell open as my uncle ushered Tasha into the kitchen. Raymond was beaming like a prospective father-in-law. The irony of the situation made me burst out laughing. Raymond thought Tasha had a thing for me, which he’d benefit from after the transformation. Well, my uncle was mistaken on both counts.
“Hi, Tasha. What are you doing here?”
“Simon!” Aunt Mary scolded. “Where are your manners?”
Tasha looked flustered. “I hope I didn’t come too early and I’m not interrupting your breakfast,” she said quickly, “but I need to talk to you, Simon.”
“Okay. Talk.”
Raymond made a sound of disapproval. “Sit down, my dear. Mary, is there any coffee left?”
“No, but I can brew some in a minute.”
“Please don’t bother! I’d like to speak to Simon. Privately.” Tasha probably meant to smile, but it came out a grimace. She silently begged me to help her out. “Can we talk outside?”
“Sure.” I unlocked the kitchen door. “Be right back,” I said to Aunt Mary.
Tasha followed me outside. We started walking down the block without speaking.
“Simon.”
“Yes?”
She managed to look apologetic and irritated at the same time. “Please don’t make this more difficult than it is.”
“I’m not doing anything. What did you want to tell me?”
“I’m sorry.”
“For?”
Tasha looked startled. Clearly she’d expected her two-word apology to do the trick.
“For what? For leading me on? For throwing yourself at me until some guy named Rick comes into the place and you forget I even exist?”
Tasha opened her mouth to argue, and closed it.
“I’m sorry for all that. I do like you. I mean, I think you’re a great guy and everything—which you are—but I shouldn’t have acted like that last night. Rick and I went through a terrible time this past week. I thought it was over between us.”
“Only it isn’t.”
Her face took on a dreamy expression. “No, we’re together again. Like we should be.”
I nodded. “I agree. You guys love one another and should be together.”
She grinned and placed a friendly hand on my arm. “Thanks. I’m glad you see things that way.”
I drew back, letting her hand fall. Her eyes widened in surprise. I had no idea how I suddenly had the nerve to tell her exactly how I felt and didn’t much care. I charged ahead, giving it to her with both barrels.
“It doesn’t excuse the way you came on to me.” I met her gaze straight on. “You used me, Tasha.”
She glanced away. “I wasn’t sure Rick and I were getting back together.”
“Sure you were.”
“Maybe.” She had the grace to look ashamed. “I apologize.”
“Apology accepted. Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m going home.”
“Wait!”
I stopped and waited till she caught up to me.
“I’m not used to guys reading me like a book they’ve read before. Telling me how to behave.” She gave me this look of incredulity. “You’re only a junior! How did you get so smart?”
I shrugged, not sure if she was flirting. I had no intention of getting caught up in her game.
“Hey, this time I’m not coming on to you. I like you, Simon. Enough to turn green with jealousy when I find out you’re somebody’s boyfriend.”
“Thanks—I think.”
Tasha winked. “Maybe Pol Coltrane will be the lucky girl.”
“Cut it out, Tasha. Pol and I are just friends.”
Tasha tossed back her head and laughed.
“What’s so funny?”
“For a smart guy, you’re as blind as a bat. If those were real daggers she kept sending me last night, I’d be deader than a doornail.”
My heart was racing. “Is that so?”
Tasha shrugged.
“Find out for yourself.”
We walked the rest of the way in silence. The weird thing was I was no longer angry. My feelings for Tasha had evaporated as if they’d never existed. She was spoiled by wealthy parents, good looks, and a charming personality. Even worse, she was devious, which I sure didn’t need in a girlfriend. Still, I had to admire her spunk and energy.
We stopped at Tasha’s car, which she’d parked in the driveway. She zapped the lock. “So, are we still friends?”
“Of course.” I opened the door.
Tasha slid gracefully onto the leather seat. “See you around.”
“Bye.” I watched her drive away.
Raymond called out to me as I entered the house. “Where’s Tasha?”
“Gone.” I started up the stairs to my room.
“Did you make a date for tonight?” Raymond called up to me.
“Of course not. Tasha has a boyfriend.”
My uncle frowned. “Too bad. Maybe you can hook up with one of her friends.”
I burst out laughing. “Hook up with one of her friends,” I echoed. “Do you even know what that means?”
I locked my door and booted up my computer to check my email and last night’s game scores. As I straightened up my room, I wondered how many more days I’d be living in this house. I grinned, remembering how disappointed Raymond had been to learn that Tasha and I weren’t interested in each other. That was nothing compared to how he was going to feel after I disappeared from his life. The poor guy was going to have to live out the rest of his life in his old skin.
Eleven thirty. Lucy wouldn’t be calling for at least an hour and a half.
I tossed a swimsuit and a towel into my tennis bag and went downstairs. Raymond was gone. Aunt Mary was straightening up the den. “Hey, Aunt Mary, I’m going into town for a bit. Then I’ll meet the twins at the pool.”
She looked up from dusting the TV, her hand to the small of her back. “It’s a good afternoon for the pool. They expect the temperature to reach ninety-four. Would you like me to pack you a lunch?”
“No, thanks. I’ll buy something at the pool.”
“I’d keep away from hot dogs and hamburgers in this weather,” Aunt Mary said. She covered her mouth, and quickly added, “Listen to me, rattling on about food when I’m sure you know what to eat.”
I patted her back. “I do, but it’s nice to hear it from you.”
My words flustered her more. “Go on. Your friends must be waiting.”
I grinned. “Let them wait.” I reached down to hug her.
Aunt Mary squeezed me tight. “I’ve grown so fond of you these last few months.”
“It’s mutual.”
She drew back to look at me. I got the definite impression she wanted to say more, but I couldn’t read what was in her mind. All I picked up were her fear and confusion. Did Aunt Mary know what her husband had in store for me? Did she know he was evil through and through? She had to have some idea. Which meant—I couldn’t bring myself to think about it.
“I’d better go.”
“Have fun with your friends,” she said. She looked sad.
I walked into town, mentally rehearsing what to tell Lucy when she called. I didn’t want to frighten her, but she had to convince Aunt Grace that my life was in danger. I had to go to England with them.
I hoped there was an available seat for me on the flight. I had a passport because three years ago our family had gone on vacation in France. Where was it? I exhaled loudly when I remembered having tossed it into a box of papers I’d taken with me when I moved into that foster home. I’d brought the box to Buckley. I’d look for my passport when I got back to the house.
In the library, I checked out a sports magazine so I’d have something to read while I waited for Lucy’s call. I was about to exit the building when I spotted Pol at the bulletin board. I walked over to say hello.
“Hi, Simon. I just put up a new notice about the playing field meeting. Someone keeps taking it down.”
“Oh.” For a moment, I had no idea what she was talking about. Town meetings were the last thing on my mind.
She glanced down at my tennis bag. “Are you off to the pool?”
“In a while. You’ll be there, won’t you?”
Before she could answer, the four musical notes of my cell phone chimed. A passing librarian gave me a frosty smile. “We turn off our cell phones when we enter the library,” she said.
“Sorry.”
My phone sounded again. I glanced down. Lucy.
“Hi. Just a second. I have to take this,” I said to Pol. “See you at the pool.”
She scowled and turned back to the bulletin board.
She thinks I’m talking to Tasha. I’ll explain later. I flew out the door and sat on the first empty bench I came to.
“Hey, Luce, what’s up? Are you okay?”
“No-o-o, I’m not.”
Her sobs tore at me. A vise clamped around my heart, squeezing so I could hardly breathe. “What’s wrong? Did something bad happen?”
“I told Aunt Grace you came to see me and she got very angry.”
“You shouldn’t have done that, Luce. I told you not to say anything until we talked again.”
“But I had to, Simon.” Lucy hiccupped. A minute or two passed before she could speak. “I want you to come with us. I think we’re flying to London on Tuesday.”
“Tuesday,” I repeated. Three days from now! Nothing is going as planned. “I have to talk to Aunt Grace! She has to help get me out of here! I’ll call her and make her understand.”
Lucy was sobbing again. “You can’t! She doesn’t want you to come with us. I begged her to take you, but she said her job is to make sure I’m safe and she can’t do that if you’re involved. She—she said she’ll lock me up somewhere if I call you again. I said I wouldn’t to get her off my back.”
My head filled with rage. “She said she’ll lock you up! What a wonderful, loving aunt she turned out to be!”
“Aunt Grace doesn’t know beans about kids. She’ll be home in a few minutes. Come and get me, Simon! We’ll go someplace together.”
Go someplace? Where could we go? Where would we be safe?
“Lucy, listen to me. This is important. You have to stay with Aunt Grace. She’ll keep you safe. Give me the phone number at the apartment. I’ll call and explain it’s a matter of life and death that I go to England with you. Okay?”
I fumbled in my bag for the pen and paper I’d brought along.
“All right. It’s—oh, no!”
I heard a woman’s voice in the background. She sounded angry. Aunt Grace must have come home earlier than Lucy expected.
“Lucy?”
“Simon, this is your aunt Grace. For Lucy’s sake, do not call here again!”
The line went dead.
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
I TRIED TO RECONNECT to the number Lucy had called from and got what I expected: the number was blocked. I wanted to howl my anger and frustration.
I ran over to the fence and kicked it with all my might, furious at the unfairness of it all. Aunt Grace didn’t care what happened to me. I had no home, no one to protect me. I had no idea when I’d speak to my sister again.
I snatched up my tennis bag to do what I always did when things got impossible—I ran. Knees pumping, I hurled myself forward. I flew past the library and into the street, ignoring the angry sound of a horn as a car swerved to avoid knocking me down. The heat had thickened the air, making it difficult to breathe, but I ran. Ran faster. Sweat streamed down my face, my chest, my back.
By the time I reached Main Street, I was heaving and dying of thirst. As I slowed down, I reached for the bottle of water I always carried with me, draining the very last drop. Still lightheaded, I dropped into a chair outside the coffee shop and sat with my head tucked between my knees until I’d caught my breath. I needed to figure out what to do. I needed a plan.
I had to talk to someone, and the only person who could begin
to understand what I was going through was Great-Aunt Lucinda. I shook my head, defeated. The hospital was miles away. I’d have sunstroke if I continued to run in this heat.
Idiot! Stop panicking and use your brain. Call her before you take another step. I drew in deep, cleansing breaths. Silently I reeled off the numbers: 4-8-6-1. 4-8-6-1.
Simon, is that you? Lucinda’s voice came through loud and clear. I smiled. She was on the way to recovery.
Yes, Aunt Lucinda. I’m coming to talk to you, once I figure out the best way to get to the hospital.
She laughed. I’m not at the hospital. They let me go home.
Great.
Our connection broke down. I threw up my hands in disgust. What else could go wrong? A minute later, she was back. Sorry about that. I now have a nurse. She’s in the kitchen. I asked her to heat up some soup before she leaves. I can’t talk to you and to her at the same time.
I thought they were keeping you in the hospital, at least till tomorrow.
I let them do a few of their tests. Then I carried on until they said I could go home if I arranged to hire a full-time nurse.
You just said your nurse is about to leave.
Simon, don’t start in on me!
But Aunt Lucinda—
My neighbor Martha’s an R. N. She’ll be looking in on me every few hours. Don’t worry so.
Can I come over now? I don’t know what to do! I was talking to Lucy until Aunt Grace came home. She won’t let me speak to my sister.
Lucinda tsk-tsked. Simon, you mustn’t interfere with your aunt’s plans for Lucy.
“I have to! She’s taking her to Europe in a few days. I’ll never see my sister again!”
I must have been shouting, because people at neighboring tables were staring at me.
Grace is doing all she can to keep Lucy safe. Try to be patient. In time you’ll be with Lucy.
“Patient!” Oh no! I’d spoken aloud again. I swallowed, then forced myself to answer silently. I can’t bear to go on living like this! Raymond’s a monster, but I can’t tell anyone what he’s done. Who would believe me? I’d end up in a mental hospital.
We’re going to tell the police what he’s been doing.
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