Hailey's Truth

by Cate Beauman

  She stopped in her tracks. “Over my limit? What do you mean I’m over my limit? I’ve charged one-hundred dollars while I’ve been in Mexico. That should be the only balance I have.”

  “I’m looking back through your purchase history. This does appear to be abnormal charging. I think we need to flag your account.”

  Nerves gnawed at her stomach, and she felt sick again. “Can you tell me where the charges were made?”

  “Most of the activity took place in San Miguel and Playa Del Carmen, Mexico—mostly bar and casino transactions.”

  Jeremy. It had to be Jeremy. She pressed jittery fingers to her throbbing temple.

  “We’ll flag your card for now, ma’am. I would suggest you call the Credit Bureau, have them put a fraud alert on your profile. It’ll take a few days to get this straightened out.”

  She didn’t have a few days; she had little more than an hour. “Okay, thank you.” Hailey clicked off and pressed her hand against her rapid heartbeat, struggling not to hyperventilate. What was she going to do? The thought of being stuck in Mexico without the protection of Austin and Jackson terrified her.

  Her savings account. She could wire money from her savings account.

  Hailey sat on the bed, weak with relief. She worked her way through her passwords, waiting for the screen to switch over to her balances.

  She could only stare.

  Overdrawn? She clicked the mouse to take her to her checking. Zero balance. Fingers shaking, breath shuddering, she exed out, tried again. This was a mistake. The bank had made a mistake. She had four hundred dollars in her checking, ten thousand in her savings account. She’d been saving little bits here and there for years.

  The screen popped up again exactly as it had moments before. “No. No. I can’t believe this. This isn’t happening.” She pressed her hands to her face and began to rock back and forth in her panic. She didn’t have a penny to her name.

  Mia jumped down from her bunk. “Hailey, what is it? What’s wrong?”

  “He took it. He took it all. Everything I have. Everything I’ve worked for. I don’t know how I’ll get home.”

  “I could lend you some money.”

  “No.” She shook her head vehemently. “No, I can’t pay you back.”

  “Let me get Austin.”

  “No,” she raised her voice.

  “Hailey, I know you two are—“

  “No.” She grabbed hold of Mia’s hand before she could escape. “I don’t want you saying anything to anyone about this—especially Austin. Austin and I are over. We’re over.” Maybe if she repeated it a million times she might believe it. She was on her own, as she’d always been, as she would be from now on. “I’ll call my friend in L.A.”

  Mia sat next to her and put an arm around her as Hailey dialed.

  “Hello?”

  Hailey squeezed her eyes shut at the sound of Sarah’s soft voice.

  “Hello? Hailey, are you there?”

  “Yes, I’m here.” Tears tightened her throat.

  “Oh, honey, what’s the matter?”

  “Pretty much everything. If you name it, I’m pretty sure it’s wrong.”

  “Tell me what’s going on.”

  She clutched Mia’s hand. “I wish I could. I wish I could tell you everything right now, but I’m in some trouble.”

  “What kind of trouble?”

  “I need a loan.” God, it pained her to ask. She’d never had to ask before.

  “Of course. How much?”

  She choked on her tears. It was that easy. Sarah would make it that easy. “Enough to get home. I need a plane ticket. For today. As soon as possible. I’m so sorry, Sarah. I’m so sorry I have to ask you for this.”

  “Don’t insult our friendship. You do want to come home, right?”

  She found the strength to smile. “More than anything. I need you, Sarah. I need my family.”

  “I’ll pick you up at the airport. I’ll bring Morgan too. Let me get this arranged. I’ll call you right back.”

  “Okay.”

  “I love you.”

  “I love you too.” And she knew Sarah always would. She wouldn’t give her the words and take them back.

  “Right back, Hailey. Hang in there.”

  She clicked off the call and leaned against Mia, taking the comfort offered. “My life is such a mess right now. I’m such a mess right now, and I don’t have time for it.”

  “What can I do?”

  “You’re doing it.”

  “How about I give you a hand with packing?”

  It was hard to admit she needed help, but she did. The turmoil of the morning had zapped her strength. “Yes, okay.”

  “Let’s get you the hell out of here. Austin told us this morning the university made the decision to pull us out next week. I’m a little envious you get to go home today. It’s scary around here.”

  She thought of Sarah’s voice, of the soothing familiarity. “You know what? So am I. I can’t wait to be home. I need to be home.”

  Her phone rang.

  “Hailey?”

  “Yeah, it’s me.”

  “You’re all set. Your plane leaves at one. You won’t have much of a wait. It’s nonstop, too.”

  “How’d you manage that?”

  “You forget that my husband is a supremely hot computer geek.”

  She grinned for the first time in twelve hours. “I can’t argue with you there.”

  “Your ticket will be at the counter. Hurry home. I’ll be waiting.”

  And because Sarah said she would be there, Hailey had no doubt. “See you soon.” Hailey set her phone down, turned, and was surprised to see that Mia had singlehandedly packed her entire suitcase. “Holy crap, Mia.”

  Mia shrugged. “You’re pretty organized, and we only get two drawers. It wasn’t hard.”

  “It would’ve been for me. Tying my shoes would be difficult today. Thank goodness I’m wearing sandals.” She wiggled her toes. “Will you do me one more favor?”

  “Sure, what is it?”

  “Would you get Dr. Lopez? I asked him to look through my stuff.”

  “Hailey, don’t go there. It isn’t necessary. You didn’t take anything.”

  “We both know that, but I don’t think anyone else does. I can’t stand having people think I’m a thief. Besides, if anything else goes missing, Dr. Lopez will know for sure it wasn’t me.” But nothing else would disappear, because Jeremy wouldn’t be back to the apartment.

  Mia hesitated at the door. “I’m not supposed to leave you alone.” She winced. “I’m sorry.”

  Her life had really come to this. “It’s okay. I’ll stand in the hall.”

  “I’m really sorry, Hailey.”

  “And I’m thankful for all you’ve done to help me.”

  Mia left her standing in the hall. Austin’s door was open. Hailey stared at his bunk, remembering the nights she’d curled up with him, warm, content, safe in his arms. She would never have that again. Nothing would be the same.

  There wouldn’t be any more casual movies at Ethan and Sarah’s or play dates to the zoo with Kylee. She would never again feel Austin’s lips against hers, feel his body pressed to hers. They were truly over. In little more than a month, she’d gained everything, then lost it. Unable to stand the pain, she turned away.

  “Hailey, I see you are ready to leave us.”

  Dr. Lopez’s voice snapped her out of her thoughts. She glanced up, met his gaze. “Yes.”

  Austin stared at the television—had no idea what he was watching. Cars blew up among the spray of machinegun fire; he couldn’t have cared less. His eyes were heavy, his head pounding from sheer exhaustion. He hadn’t slept in over twenty-four hours. He�
�d searched frantically for Hailey in two-hour shifts, trading off with Jackson throughout the night.

  When Jackson took his turns, Austin sat at the kitchen table, waiting for Hailey, willing her to walk through the door. He’d sipped coffee, filling his system with artificial energy while he replayed their argument. Everything had gone so wrong. He meant to show her the truth, but ended up tossing out ultimatums instead. He regretted it as soon as he did, but when she didn’t choose him—wouldn’t choose him, was more like it—she’d hurt him in a way he didn’t know was possible.

  And then, she was gone.

  Austin glanced up as Hailey’s stiff murmurs trailed down the hall. Her hair was pulled back; her ghostly pale complexion accentuated her devastated honey eyes.

  Austin balled his fists in defense, fighting the need to rush up and go to her, to stand by her side. He’d listened to the whispered rumors swirling through the apartments, the unfair accusations. It wasn’t hard to see she was holding on by inches. Her pride was all that kept her standing.

  When Dr. Lopez had come to him in the wee hours of morning, Austin tried like hell to convince him Hailey wasn’t a thief. He’d given him the information necessary to cast suspicion where he knew it belonged, but Dr. Lopez had been unmovable. Although Dr. Lopez hadn’t believed Hailey a thief, she had broken her contract with Project Mexico. Rules were rules, and Hailey hadn’t followed them.

  Her world was falling apart around her, but Austin stayed where he was, glued to his seat in the common room. If he got up, he wouldn’t let her go, but nothing would’ve changed. Jeremy would still be in the background, ruining her life, putting her in danger. Donte wouldn’t be far behind. The resentment would always be there—along with the worry—eroding at their foundation. So he stayed on the couch, muscles tense, heart breaking, letting Hailey deal with the decisions she’d made for the life she had chosen.

  Brakes squeaked in the driveway; someone honked.

  “Hailey, your cab’s here,” Jackson said. “I’ll walk you out.”

  She nodded.

  Mia grabbed her up in a quick hug. “I’m going to miss you, Hailey. I’m going to miss your kindness.” She drew away. “We’ll find out who took everyone’s stuff,” she glanced around the room, glaring, “because it certainly wasn’t you.”

  Hailey hugged Mia to her again, kissed her cheek. “Thank you,” she whispered, closing her eyes. “Thank you so much for everything.”

  Austin clenched his jaw, fisted his hands tighter as her voice wavered with tears.

  Jen took his hand, covered it with hers, squeezed. He accepted the lifeline, fearful he would crumble himself without something to hold on to.

  Hailey opened her eyes, met his, holding, before her gaze landed on Jen’s fingers clutching his. Flinching, she looked away, picked up her suitcase, and started for the door.

  Jackson wrapped his arm around her waist. Austin tried not to resent his friend for offering the comfort he no longer could—no longer would.

  Hailey reached for the knob as two of her team members walked down the hall, whispering, “…about her past. What do you expect from a foster kid? They’re all bad news…” Courtney trailed off, her eyes widening in horror as she glanced around the silent room.

  Hailey paused mid-step, her fingers tightening on her suitcase before she kept going, never looking back.

  Jackson pulled her closer and looked over his shoulder at Courtney, eyes hard as he walked Hailey out the door.

  Austin rushed to his feet, simmering with rage. Hailey didn’t deserve that. No matter how upset he was, how hurt, he knew she had never ever done anything to deserve that. “That was fucking bullshit, Courtney.”

  He walked to his room, ignoring Courtney’s sputters, as he shut the door and stepped to the window, watching Hailey leave.

  Jackson tipped her chin up with his finger and said something. Hailey nodded, gave him a small smile. She hugged him and closed her eyes as Jackson’s arms came around her. Hailey held on, clutching at his shirt, her face radiating with pain.

  She eased away, walked down the drive to the taxi.

  God, this was killing him. She looked so small, so broken, so alone. Austin blew out a breath and rubbed tense fingers over his forehead. He’d wanted to take care of her, was coming to realize he’d intended to ask her to marry him, but he’d broken his promise. He let her down. Now Hailey had to face the world on her own—as she’d done too many times in the past. Jeremy certainly wouldn’t stand by her.

  But neither was he.

  His gaze flew to the window at the realization. He wasn’t any better than anyone else who’d left her behind so easily. Austin yanked his door open and rushed down the hall, slamming into Jackson on the outside steps.

  The cab turned the corner; it was too late.

  “Goddamn. I need to go after her. When does her flight leave?”

  “At one. You have two hours, man.”

  Austin hurried into the house, barely registering everyone standing around the television.

  “I can’t believe this. Another shooting, and only two blocks away this time.”

  Austin paused with keys in his hand. “What’s going on?”

  “There was another shooting. Two families were killed about an hour ago.” Mia sniffed. “They had small children.”

  Dr. Lopez stepped in the room. “Austin, where is Jackson? I need to speak with you both, immediately.”

  Austin squeezed the keys, warring between his need to go to Hailey and his responsibilities to his job. “Let me get him.” If they hurried, he could take care of both.

  Jackson stepped inside as Dr. Lopez started down the hall.

  “Dr. Lopez needs to see us. I’ll be right there.” Dashing to the bedroom, Austin picked up his phone and dialed Hailey’s number. He swore—her cheery voice was telling him to leave a message.

  “Hailey, it’s Austin.” God, where did he start? He sat on the edge of the bed, searching for the right words. “I really need to talk to you.” He heaved out a sigh. “I’ve made a hell of a mess of things—let you down. I want to fix it, need to fix it. Please call me when you get this.” He closed his eyes and rested his forehead in his hand. “I—I love you, Hailey. I love you so much. Please call me.” He hung up.

  Jackson rapped his knuckles against the door, stuck his head in.

  “Come on in.”

  “You okay?”

  “No.” Austin pinched the bridge of his nose, trying to relieve the building pressure.

  Jackson stepped in the room and closed the door. “She loves you, man. You guys’ll work things out.”

  “I don’t know. Why did I show her those fucking videos?” He rubbed his chin, stood up, restless. He bunched his fists, wanting to use them to pummel out his frustration. “I lost my cool…let her down like everyone else.”

  “You fucked up a little. I bet you can patch it up when we get to L.A. Dr. Lopez just got off the phone with the Dean. They’re evacuating us tonight, tomorrow morning at the latest. Everyone’s packing. As soon as they find us a flight, we’re out of here.”

  The idea of being back in L.A. was very appealing. He would track Hailey down as soon as they landed. They would sit down and talk everything out. Jeremy would still be a problem, so would Donte, but he had to fix things with Hailey first. “Let’s get packed.”

  Austin put his phone in his pocket, still hoping Hailey would call him back.

  Chapter 23

  HAILEY PULLED HER PHONE FROM her purse and glanced at the readout. Austin. Her thumb hovered over the “talk” button, trembling. Her heart hurt with each beat. She stared at his grinning face filling her screen as the jumpy rhythm of her ringtone continued. He wore his black ball cap backwards, accentuating the green of his eyes, the white of his straight teeth.

 
She had taken the picture moments before they suited up for her first official scuba dive. Austin had taken her hand, holding tight as they tipped back into the depthless blue. Unable to stand the memory, she shoved her phone in her bag, ruthlessly ignoring the double beep that told her he’d left a message.

  The cab took a right, heading to the airport. Hailey was ready to board her plane and leave her “opportunity of a lifetime” behind. Her six weeks in Mexico had been an experience, one she would never forget, but nothing had ended the way she planned.

  Hailey rested her weary head against the window, staring out at the impossible blue of the Caribbean. Miles out, Donte’s yacht gleamed in the bright sunshine. Jeremy was there—probably lying, possibly cheating and steeling. Her brother had played her for a fool. Even after Austin’s warnings, his pleading, she hadn’t wanted to believe the worst in him. But Jeremy’s rap sheet spoke for itself. There was no way to misinterpret his long list of criminal activities the way she had the videos Austin showed her. It still hadn’t sunk in that Jeremy wasn’t the man he pretended to be. She’d watched him do so many wonderful things over the last five weeks, but it was all a lie. Austin had been right, absolutely right, and now he was gone.

  Hailey reached for her cell, retrieved Austin’s message, hesitated, unable to put the phone to her ear. What if his voice was flat and cold—the way his eyes had been in the living room minutes before?

  Stomach churning, head pounding from the pressure of unshed tears, Hailey dropped the phone back in her bag. If she heard his deep voice before she was a little stronger, a little steadier, she was afraid she would crack into a million pieces.

  She needed home, Morgan and Sarah, needed to rebuild a life she no longer recognized. In a month’s time she’d allowed Austin to become everything. She’d believed in the possibilities, in him wholeheartedly, and as a result had no cushion, no defense against the hurt, nothing left for herself.