by Arthurs, Nia
Officer Tony blinked.
Alex scrunched his nose.
I tilted my head.
“So I followed him downstairs and saw the fire at the door. It was spreading really fast. All my bookshelves had gone up in flames. Thankfully, my pets were upstairs so I opened the window and helped them down the fire escape.”
“You rescued the cats instead of yourself?” Alex barked. “You could have been killed!”
“It would have hurt much worse if I’d lost one of them,” Lauren snapped back.
“Everyone calm down,” Officer Tony said. “What happened next, Lauren?”
“The smoke was thick upstairs and I couldn’t see or breathe. I tried to remember the rule during a fire, but I blacked out before the words came to mind.”
“That’s when I found her,” I said.
“How convenient that you were nearby.” Alex’s glower was hotter than the flames.
“I was coming back from Monique’s place.”
Officer Tony scribbled in his notebook. “And who is that?”
“Monique?”
“Yes.”
I paused. “My… girlfriend.”
“Why’d you hesitate?”
I startled. “What?”
Officer Tony laughed and slapped my arm. “Just kidding. Go on.”
“I saw the fire. When I called out to Lauren, no one answered. I checked around the back and didn’t see her so I decided to run in and make sure she wasn’t trapped.”
Alex butted in. “How brave of you.”
Officer Tony nodded and said with far less sarcasm, “You’re a hero, young man.”
“Lauren was the one who put herself in danger to save her pets.”
“It was terrifying,” Lauren muttered. “I didn’t feel like a hero. I felt like I was in a horror movie. The only thing I could think about was getting my cats out before the flames got them.”
Officer Tony opened his notebook again. “Did you enter through the front door, James?”
“Yes. It was on fire, but I kept my head down and stumbled to the stairs. When I got to the second floor, I saw Lauren lying on the ground in her bedroom. I picked her up and headed back down to the main floor.”
He glanced at me. “Be prepared for the news vans. I’m sure they’ll be out in droves trying to catch a glimpse of you.”
Lauren grinned. “I’m just glad James didn’t get hurt too badly. Although you might need to buy a new outfit.”
I picked at my seared shirt and jeans. Mom would ask a million questions if she saw me waltzing in like this tonight.
Note to self: go through the back door.
“That’s all the questions I have for now.” Officer Tony tapped his pen against his notebook. “Have you both been checked out for smoke inhalation and burns?”
“I’m fine,” I said. “Lauren?”
“I’m okay too.”
The officer nodded. “Lauren, do you have somewhere to stay tonight?”
“Yeah, I’ve got a friend in town. I just need a ride...”
“May I escort you?”
Lauren simpered. “But my babies, will they fit in your car?”
“We’ll make it work.”
I watched with an amused grin as Lauren and the officer walked off. When I moved to follow them, Alex pressed a hand to my chest and pushed me back into the shadows.
“What the hell?” I growled.
“Wait a minute. I have something to say to you.”
I studied his scowl. “What?”
“That was a nice little speech earlier,” he hissed, “but if you think this nice-guy act will keep your father out of jail, you’re wrong. You Sawyers messed with the wrong guy.”
I blinked. “Are you high?”
Alex dug into his pocket and slapped something against my chest. My fingers rose and slipped against a papery texture.
I glanced down. “What is this?”
“Read it.”
I did.
It was a check. For fifty thousand dollars.
At the bottom was the name ‘Darius Sawyer’ and my dad’s crab-like signature.
The little breath left in my lungs escaped in a whoosh. “Why do you have this?”
“I wasn’t home tonight because Darius called me out. I didn’t tell Lauren for… obvious reasons.” He ran a hand through his hair and let out a frustrated breath. “I had a bad feeling when I left, but I didn’t think—I never thought Darius would go this far.”
“Are you talking about the check or the fire?”
“Both.” He nodded to the paper. “He handed me that… right before threatening to ruin my life if I didn’t get out of town.”
Classic Dad. “That sounds like him.”
Alex clenched his jaw. “Did you know? Is that why you came to the store tonight? To rescue Lauren before your dad killed her?”
“Whoa, I’m not involved in this.”
“So you just magically showed up?”
“Dad’s chasing you out of town for his own reasons. It has nothing to do with me.”
Alex held my stare as if searching for the truth.
I didn’t flinch.
“I’m sorry.” Alex looked away. “I just don’t know who to trust anymore. Darius knew about Lauren the moment I reached out to him. Maybe he thought scaring her was the best way to keep me in check.”
“Maybe.” I shrugged. “But this doesn’t feel like him.”
“You have the evidence right in front of you.”
“Dad asked you to get out of town.” I slapped the check back in his palm. “But threatening to ruin your life is a long way from setting a house on fire.”
“So?”
“My father is a lot of things, but he’s not an attempted murderer or an arsonist. If there’s even slight suspicion against him, it’ll affect his business, his reputation and his pride. He wouldn’t take the chance.”
Alex smirked darkly. “There’s a first for everything.”
“Look, I’m the last person who should be defending him, but there’s got to be another explanation.”
“Like what?”
“Maybe it was just an accident, faulty wiring, a gas leak.”
“We’ll see,” Alex snarled. “I appreciate what you did for Lauren. I do. But I’ll launch my own investigation. If I find that Darius was responsible, I’m coming for him with everything I’ve got. I don’t care who gets hurt.”
I lowered my chin. “Is that a threat?”
“He’s the one who made this fight dirty.”
“You do what you need to, but I’ll protect my family.” And that doesn’t include you. “I’d appreciate it if you wouldn’t share these allegations with my mother.”
“And Lauren should never find out we’re related.”
I dipped my head.
“Alex!” Lauren called from her perch in Officer Tony’s police vehicle. “You coming?”
Alex looked at me. “See you around, brother.”
“See you,” I whispered to his back.
16
CHASING AFTER YOU
Monique
Harsh sunlight beamed overhead as I waited on the steps facing the parking lot, my eyes peeled for James’s car. My fists tightened around the strap of his backpack. I had no idea he’d be at Pandora’s yesterday or I would have taken his stuff with me last night.
Ten minutes passed.
Fifteen.
I checked my watch. It felt like our first tutoring session when I waited an hour for James to show.
That day, I only stuck around because he’d paid me two hundred dollars and I was in too much of a bind to give him a refund.
We’d come a long way since then.
“Where are you, James?” I mumbled to myself.
A familiar rumble pierced the air. I recognized Harley’s rusty pickup shuttling through the gates. In the sea of shiny convertibles and SUVs, the jalopy stuck out like a sore, beat-up thumb.
Harley spotted me and honked.
He lowered the window. “You’re here early.”
“I’ll explain in a minute.” I flicked my wrist. “Go park.”
I expected Harley to move and when he didn’t, I peered into the piercing sunlight. Someone was wiggling around in his front seat. My jaw dropped when a brown hand pushed Harley aside and a head stuck out the window.
“Angie?”
“Hey, Mo!”
I moved down a step, still stunned. “You two rode together?”
“My bus broke down! Can you believe that?”
Harley flung Angie back so she faded from sight. “I’ll park so we can have a conversation like normal people.” He shot Angie a look. “Would you get off my lap?”
“Sorry.”
I laughed as he wound his window back up and pealed out of sight.
If something were to happen between Angie and Harley, I’d be ecstatic. Unfortunately, Angie was hung up on a mysterious older guy and Harley… he was a little too bristly to handle a personality as explosive as hers.
I brushed the thought away and pasted a smile on my face as my two friends ambled toward me.
Angie had thick braids that were littered with golden clips. Her dark skin gleamed in the sunlight. She wore a Black Lives Matter T-shirt and ripped jeans. Everything about Angie yelled ‘stay back’, but I knew it was just a mask. She was the first to laugh at something rather than get offended.
Harley strode beside her. He’d grown a little taller since Christmas. I realized that his hair was longer too, brushing just past his collar. His pale skin, blue eyes and crooked smile reminded me of a California surfer who didn’t get out much anymore.
Angie slung her arm over my shoulder. “What are you doing out here? Waiting for James?”
“Yeah.”
Harley checked the time on his phone. Thick wrinkles appeared between his eyebrows. “Why don’t you just head to class and catch up with him later?”
“Because I have his bag.” I nodded to the backpack at my feet.
“Why?” Angie wiggled her eyebrows. “Did he stay over last night?”
“Stay ov—Angie, I have parents.”
“You can do it quietly if you concentrate.”
Harley squeezed his eyes shut. “I don’t want to hear this.”
“Relax, Blondie. From the look on her face, I can tell nothing exciting happened last night.”
“I wouldn’t say that.”
“Oh?” Angie’s black eyes glittered. “Tell me about it.”
“There was a fire,” I said. “At Lauren’s store.”
Angie gasped.
Harley turned even paler. “Is she okay?”
“Yeah.” I explained everything including my father herding Lauren’s cats off the emergency stairs and James’s daring rescue.
Harley let out a low whistle. “I have no idea how Lauren would have survived if one of her cats had gotten singed.”
“Forget the cats.” Angie gawked. “James must have looked so hot rising out of that fiery building with a woman in his arms. Man, I wish I’d seen that.”
“I’m sure it wasn’t impressive,” Harley mumbled.
“You’re just jealous because your puny arms aren’t strong enough to carry anyone.”
“Wanna bet?”
“Try me.”
I intervened before Harley broke his back trying to pick Angie up. “The bell’s about to ring.”
Both my friends glanced away, their expressions shifting as my prediction came true.
Students sprinted into the building while the brassy bell screamed like a demon from hell. I covered my ears in annoyance.
Angie squinted against the sunlight. “What are you going to do about James? I don’t think he’s arrived yet.”
“I’ll wait a few more minutes.”
“But you’ll be late.” Harley pointed out.
“It’s okay. You guys go ahead.”
“Are you sure?” Harley asked.
I nodded.
My best friend looked like he wanted to argue more.
“Come on, Blondie.” Angie tugged his hand. “We can’t afford to miss our first class.”
“Call me if you need me,” Harley said, allowing himself to be dragged away.
I nodded and wrapped my arms around my waist, turning back to look at the parking lot.
Five minutes was all I could manage before my inner ‘rule follower’ demanded I head inside. My gaze swept the parking lot one last time. James’s vehicle was nowhere in sight. I gave up with a sigh and slipped into my classroom.
During the lecture, I texted James to let him know I had his schoolbag and laptop. A few minutes later, he responded.
JAMES: It’s okay.
That was it?
I glared at my screen.
That’s all I was getting? He’d disappeared last night like a wisp of smoke. Lauren and Officer Tony were the only ones who approached me after the fire was extinguished.
Where are you, James?
My attempts to pay attention in class failed. James kept invading my mind, an irritating fly I wanted to squash between my books. Things were tense between us but dragging it out like this wasn’t helping anyone.
I thought of the first time we’d fought, like really fought, two months ago.
“What are you doing?” I hissed as I stared at James on bent knee.
“I’m tying my shoes.” He glanced up, looking devilishly handsome for no good reason. “Why? What do you think I’m doing?”
I let out a breath. “Nothing.”
He rose and extended his hand.
A necklace sparkled in his palm.
“Is that mine?”
He nodded.
I covered my mouth. “How much did you pay for this?”
James’s grin faded. “It doesn’t matter.”
“Of course it matters.”
“I saw it and thought of you. Can’t you just accept it?”
“James, you should take it back. It’s too expensive.”
He scowled. “Why do you always do this? Just take it. It’s a gift.”
“You’ve already given me a watch, a bracelet, and—”
“Is that a crime?”
“People will think I’m with you for what I can get.”
“Who cares what people think? You’re my girlfriend and you deserve the best.”
“I don’t need fancy things. I just need you. Take it back.”
“No.”
“Then I will.”
James ended up storming out of the restaurant. I thought I’d have to walk home, but he came back a few minutes later and apologized. I calmed down and we worked it out in the car.
Couples were bound to fight. James and I just needed to see each other. Talk things through. His heroic rescue last night reminded me that his stunt in my living room was a lapse in judgment, not a character flaw. If we just communicated, everything would be back on track.
Classes crawled by.
The moment the bell rang for lunch, I popped out of my seat and sprinted into the hallway. James was supposed to be in the Science building now. My shoes crunched against gravel as I headed over.
The sky was a brilliant blue. A firm breeze caressed my face, as insistent as James’s touch when he wanted my attention. I tucked a curl behind my ear and scanned every face that strode past, but I didn’t see James anywhere.
When I was about to give up, I spotted Baz strolling through the crowd, black beanie on his head and bass guitar strapped around his shoulders.
“Baz!” I yelled.
He glanced up, a smile gliding across his handsome face. “Monique.”
A group of girls made way as Baz passed, sending him admiring glances. He cleanly ignored them and trotted up to me.
“Hey,” I said. A grin bloomed despite my desperation.
Baz was James’s best friend—though my boyfriend was too stubborn to call him that. The guy was as solid as a rock. Baz rarely smiled or got excite
d, yet he still managed to be warm and endearing. I respected him a lot and I knew James did too.
“What’s up?” Baz asked. “Are you coming to the rally tomorrow?”
I nodded absently. “Uh, Baz, have you seen James today? I mean, did he come to class?”
“Yeah, but then he left early.”
“Why?”
“They summoned him to the principal’s office and he never came back. Have you tried giving him a call?”
“I did. He didn’t answer but I got a text so I’m assuming he’s okay.”
“I’m sure he’ll turn up somewhere. He has no reason to leave without…” A commotion in the distance stole the rest of Baz’s words.
I turned and looked on in shock as a crowd of reporters stormed into the hallway. They held mikes and heavy cameras in their grips. Their eyes darted around as if searching for someone.
Students plastered themselves against the lockers to make room. Excited whispers rode the air. I saw compacts bursting into sight like magical flames as girls powdered their noses, bracing themselves to speak on prime time TV.
The flurry of mumbling and primping stopped when the reporters did.
Wait.
Why were they all looking… at me?
A woman at the front of the pack lifted a manicured finger. “Are you Monique Hughes?”
I nodded slowly.
For a second, there was calm.
Then the camera flashes came at once. Blinding me. Bright as stars. The patter of feet rushing my way roared like raindrops in a storm. Everyone started calling my name, extending mikes and pointing their cameras.
I froze, as stupid and naïve as a deer caught in headlights.
Someone grabbed my hand and pulled me along. I felt myself moving, running. I glanced at the brown fingers curled over mine and followed the line of his arm to his face.
Baz.
He dragged me off into a quiet hallway and slammed my back against the wall. With a dark finger on his brown lips, he shaded me from the reporters that kept sprinting down the corridor and into another section of the school.
I let out a breath and leaned against the wall as my legs trembled. “What was that?”
“I was hoping you could tell me.” His dark skin blended into the shadows, but the whites of his eyes were brilliant. “Why would reporters want to interview you?”