On Broken Wings (The Witness Series Book 7)

by Heather D'Agostino

  “No romances, no documentaries, and no foreign films.” He pointed at me. “I know you, and I know you’re looking to watch The Notebook for the millionth time.”

  “You’re no fun.” I stuck my lip out in a pout. “Fine.” I flopped down and crossed my arms over my chest. “Something action based with lots of explosions. Sound about right?”

  “Works for me.” He nodded as he began dialing the pizza place down the road. Deep dish and movies. This was my kinda night.

  Chapter 11

  Jenni

  When I woke up this morning, I had this nervous feeling in my stomach. Now that we’re on our way to the mall, I have it all over me. Mason hasn’t questioned my intentions, but I know he suspects something. My legs have been bouncing like crazy, and I’ve tugged at my sleeves no less than ten times since we left the apartment.

  When we pulled into a parking space, I sucked in a deep breath, and released it slowly. “I know something’s up, Jen. Wanna enlighten me on why we’re really here?” Mason cut the engine and turned slightly to look at me.

  “I need your opinion on something,” I muttered as we climbed out of the car, and began walking to the entrance.

  “I don’t know how I can offer an opinion on something for you.” He reached for the door to the mall entrance and held it open for us.

  “Well, you’re all I’ve got right now.” I rolled my eyes and flipped my hand in the air. “This way.” I motioned toward the bookstore a few doors down. Mason followed right on my heels, but the closer we got, the slower my feet began to move. I was rethinking this whole thing, and ready to put an end to it by the time we reached the bookstore.

  “What exactly are we doing?”

  I shoved him behind a shelf at the front of the store. Evan wasn’t far away, and I didn’t want him to hear us. “Shhhh!” I put my finger to my lips, and Mason’s eyes lit up with laughter. His shoulders shook, and he made a snorting sound as he tried to hold it in. “You see that guy over there?” I pointed to where Evan was shelving some books.

  “Yeah.” Mason nodded.

  “He’s the one I was telling you about. The one who wants me to go out for coffee,” I whispered. “He asked me to study here tonight after his shift. What do you think?”

  “I think we’re crazy for doing this.” He chuckled. “You know we’re adults now, not kids. Do you want me to talk to him?” He lowered his voice as he faced me so his back was to Evan.

  “No! I want you to tell me if he looks like a nice guy.” I shook my head frantically as all the scenarios of how this could go wrong floated through my head.

  “I can’t do that without talking to him.” Mason shrugged as if it was obvious.

  “Well, then go talk to him.” I pushed him forward as I attempted to slip farther between the shelves and into hiding.

  “About what, Jenni?” He sighed as he shook his head at me.

  “We’re in a bookstore. Go ask him about a book.” I rolled my eyes as I pushed his shoulder this time.

  Just as Mason relented and started to move towards Evan, Evan noticed us. “Hey, Jen.” He came around the corner and smiled a warm smile.

  “Hey, Evan.” I tried to calm my nerves, but they were out of control at this point. I moved behind my brother to use him as a shield almost like I did when I was little.

  “I’m Evan. I have a couple of classes with Jen this semester, and you are?” Evan held his hand out. I don’t know why he was asking. I’d told him after class yesterday that Mason was my brother. Must be a guy thing.

  “Mason,” my brother smiled before he gripped Evan’s hand in a handshake, “Jen’s big brother.”

  Evan’s face broke out in a smile. It was almost as if he needed to have confirmation from Mason that he really wasn’t my boyfriend. “So, I never heard from you about coffee.” Evan turned his attention to me.

  “I figured I’d just keep letting you bring them to me at school.” I grinned. My brother’s eyes pinged between Evan and me.

  “I don’t mind.” He shrugged. “Since you’re here, does that mean we can study later?”

  “I’ve been kinda busy. Maybe next week after class one day?” I glanced at my brother, hoping he’d get the message. I needed reassurance that I wasn’t treading into deep water again.

  “Sure. That sounds good.” Evan nodded before motioning down one of the aisles. “It was nice meeting you,” he motioned to Mason, “but I’ve really gotta get back to work.”

  “See ya Monday, Evan,” I called before turning towards my brother and all but shoving him out of the store. “Well?” I stopped when we were standing back in the mall. “What do you think?”

  He laughed. I couldn’t believe it, but he laughed. “He seems like a nice guy.” He shrugged.

  “Would you go out with him?” I prodded as we headed toward the food court. It was lunch time, and we were hungry.

  “No.” He shook his head.

  “No? Why?” I blinked a few times. He’d just said he was a nice guy. What was I missing here?

  “Because I’m a guy, and he’s a guy, and I’m not like that.” His face remained stoic for a few seconds before he burst into laughter.

  “Mason Stone! Don’t be an ass.” I shoved him hard, causing him to crash into one of the metal chairs nearby.

  “Jeez, Jenni!” He shook his head. “I was teasing.” He threw his head back, and then froze.

  “So you think I should give him a chance? Mason?” I glanced over when he didn’t answer. He was staring off into space at something. “Mason?” I elbowed him in the ribs.

  “Crap, that hurt.” He rubbed his side, finally acknowledging me.

  “Where were you?” I furrowed my brow. His head tipped in the direction he was staring, and there sat two women who looked about his age. One was blonde, and the other was brunette. The brunette was talking animatedly while the blonde listened. “Is that who I think it is?” I patted his arm. His head bobbed slowly. “She hasn’t changed at all.”

  “Now see the first time I saw her, I didn’t know who she was.” He sighed as I led us over to Taco Bell.

  “That’s because you’re a guy. She hasn’t changed and apparently her feelings for you haven’t either.” I darted my eyes over to where the two women were sitting. They saw us, it was obvious. They kept glancing in our direction, looking mainly at my brother.

  “Order me a burrito. I’ll meet you at the table.” He slapped a few bills in my hand before turning on his heel and heading right for Dani’s table.

  oooooooo

  The weekend was fairly uneventful. Mason had to work. There was this big reopening at the bar, and he was bouncing all weekend. I spent my time at the apartment. Today, was going to be a good day though. I’d thought about Evan’s offer, and if he was ok with it, I was going to agree to meet him at the library on campus this afternoon. I figured that was a safe place, and maybe he would leave me alone after that.

  As I entered Booker Hall there he was in his usual spot. He had a paper coffee cup in his hand, and he was smiling as I approached. “Morning.” He grinned. “Your usual, Miss.” He handed me the cup, and then pushed off the wall he was leaning on.

  “Thanks.” I held the cup up, and then took a sip. “How are you doing on that accounting project we have due next week?”

  His head snapped back like I’d caught him off-guard. “I’m about half finished. How are you doing?”

  “Ok, I guess.” I sighed as I glanced at the clock on the wall. Class hadn’t started yet, and we were just hanging out by the door.

  “You’re lost, aren’t you?” He smiled as he shifted on his feet.

  “No, not lost. I’m just at an impasse. I can’t decide what’s next.” I shrugged. “I was hoping you could help me?” I grimaced as I posed my request as more of a question.

  “Sure, but how’s that going to work? I’ve been trying to help you for weeks now.” His brow furrowed as he crossed his arms over his chest.

  “I was thinking maybe we c
ould meet at the library this afternoon. My last class ends at two.” I nibbled my lip as I waited for him to answer. Evan stepped around me, and glanced down the hallway. Next, he stuck his head in the classroom door. Finally, he turned in a complete circle. “What are you doing?” I laughed.

  “I’m looking for the hidden cameras. This has to be a prank. Jenni Stone wants to study, with me.” He placed his hands on his chest dramatically.

  “So is that a no? I guess I could find someone else to help me.” I shrugged and attempted to move around him.

  “Not so fast.” He spun. “I’ll be there. Two o’clock on the front steps. You better not be pranking me.” His eyes narrowed as his lips turned up in a grin.

  “Guess you’ll have to trust me then.” I giggled as I took another sip of coffee before stepping into the classroom and finding a seat.

  oooooooo

  As the hours of the day ticked by, I began to rethink my plan to study with Evan. Maybe I could play into his whole pranking idea, and not show up. The more I thought about it, the more it sounded like a cop out. I needed to get over this fear, and that was never going to happen if I didn’t take a chance. Evan seemed like a safe chance. Mason trusted him, why shouldn’t I?

  I checked the time once more before I began my long trek across campus. The library wasn’t anywhere near my classes, but it seemed like the safest bet for a meeting place. “Hey. I wasn’t sure you’d show.” Evan waved at me as he stood from where he was sitting on the steps.

  “Thanks for the vote of confidence.” I rolled my eyes.

  “You really wanna study in there?” He motioned to the door. “It’s quiet, and dark, and well…boring. We could sit over there.” He motioned to a grassy patch by a few trees.

  “You don’t think it would be cold?” I tugged my jacket tighter around me. I felt exposed out here where everyone could see me.

  Evan’s expression softened. “Maybe you’re right. It is a little cool.” He smiled as he lifted his backpack onto his shoulder, and began jogging up the steps.

  oooooooo

  Evan

  I don’t know what it is about this girl. She drives me crazy, but I can’t stay away. She reminds me a scared little kitten. I’ve been trying to be her friend for months. Every time I think I’m making progress, she shuts me out again. At first, I thought maybe her brother was knocking her around, but he seems like a stand-up guy. I’ve seen him around. My friends and I have been to The Rusty Nail to play pool, and unwind after a long week of classes. I’ve gone there after work too. I know the owner, and I know she wouldn’t hire a tool to run her door.

  When Jen suggested coming here, I was surprised. She doesn’t have any classes on this side of campus. I wondered if she just wanted to be somewhere public. This is what I can’t figure out. Why is she scared of me?

  “How about here?” I pointed to a small cluster of tables and chairs near the back corner. We were still on the main floor. This would be a little more open, but I was hoping my choice would make her feel more relaxed.

  “This is fine.” She glanced around almost as if she was looking for an escape route. I watched as she slowly unpacked her backpack, and slid into a seat. When I moved to take the seat beside her, her back went stiff.

  “Are you ok?” I stepped around to the chair across from her, and lowered myself slowly.

  “I’m fine.” She almost snapped as she flipped open a notebook. “I’m sorry.” She sighed. I must have looked confused or something. “I’m having a weird day. Can you read over this and tell me what you think?” She shoved the notebook toward me.

  “Sure.” I spun it in my direction and then began reading what she’d written.

  “Well?” She tapped the table.

  “This sounds great. What’s the problem?” I handed the notebook back to her.

  “I don’t know. I guess I just don’t trust myself.” She buried her head in her hands. As her sleeves started to ride up, I watched a look of horror spread across her face. She glanced at me before tucking her arms into her lap. When I didn’t question her, she seemed to relax. I don’t know what set her off, but this girl screamed problems. She was a nervous wreck all the time, and skittish to a fault. I was constantly on edge trying to read her. I’ve never worked this hard in my life to talk to someone. All my experience, and all my instincts told me to leave her alone, but I couldn’t. There was something about her that made me want to know more. Who was she really, and who made her this way?

  “You feel like grabbing some food?” We’d been sitting in the library for a few hours at this point, and I was starving. I needed to do some things for work too.

  “I can’t.” She glanced around, and a moment of panic settled over her when she saw the time. “It’s dark out.” She began shoving books in her backpack.

  “We’ve been in here for hours. Aren’t you hungry?” I reached across the table and touched her arm, another mistake I keep making.

  “No.” She yanked it back as her eyes widened.

  “Sorry.” I sighed. “Where are you heading? I’ll walk you.” I shoved back from the table, and stood. She looked so small sitting there and blinking up at me.

  “I take the L home every day.” She frantically tossed her backpack on her shoulder, and attempted to step around me.

  “You’re not walking across campus by yourself. It’s dark. There are a lot of weirdos out there.” I jogged along behind her and she twisted and weaved her way to the main door.

  “I’m fine,” she called out, but I kept up with her pace.

  “Jenni.” I stepped in front of her just as she got to the bottom of the steps. “Let me help you.” She must have seen that I wasn’t giving in, and finally relented.

  “Fine.” She rolled her eyes.

  I couldn’t understand how someone who seemed petrified of me, and people in general, wasn’t worried about walking in the dark. It didn’t make sense, but then again, nothing about this girl did.

  Chapter 12

  Jenni

  It’s been about eight months now. Spring is here, and so is everyone’s spring fever apparently. Even the teachers seem ready for the semester to end. Evan and I have developed a strange friendship. We study a few times a week, and talk through campus messenger online, but that’s it. It’s odd. Some days I wonder if he likes me. The idea of it makes me giddy and petrified at the same time. I like the way things are with him. We talk. We laugh. We share notes from the classes we have together. It’s almost normal.

  He’s walked me to the L a couple of times. He even offered to drive me home once, but I wouldn’t let him. I’m not ready for him to know where I live. Mason’s been pushing me to invite him over, but I just can’t go there yet. I’ve reminded him a few dozen times how long it took to work things out with Dani. He usually shuts right up after that.

  One thing that has been good for me— I started a job. It’s not really what you think. I’m working for Dev and Jase. They own Ford Stevenson Securities. Mason suggested that I work as an administrative assistant, and help run their books. I’ve been there about two weeks now. Dev seems to like the job I’m doing, so that helps, and I feel safe there. I’ve never had a real job. Mason’s always paid all our bills. He’s engaged now though, and I know that he and Dani will want a place of their own. He says I can stay with them, but I think that might be a little awkward. I told myself that I’d find my own apartment by the end of the semester. I’m forcing myself to grow up. I know I can do this, and I know that once I move out, I’ll feel so much more liberated. As scared as I am of repeating the past, I have to move on and be an adult.

  oooooooo

  “I’m meeting Dani for coffee. Wanna come with, and I’ll drop you at school after?” Mason called from somewhere down the hallway.

  I was changing clothes for the third time. “No thanks. I’ll take the L.” I sighed as I tossed yet another top onto my bed. The weather was starting to warm more, and I’ve been having a hard time finding tops to cover my scars.
Mason keeps telling me not to cover them, but I feel exposed in so many ways when I don’t.

  “Ok. I’ll see you back here tonight. Remember we’re going out.” The door slammed, and I was surrounded by silence again.

  “Yeah, I remember,” I muttered to myself. Mason had wanted to take me out to celebrate that I only had one year of school left. I know he’s trying to be sweet, but I’d rather just hang here tonight and binge on the latest Netflix show.

  I finally decided on a long-sleeved tee, and added several bangles to my wrists to cover them. I slung my backpack over my shoulder, and rushed down to the street level.

  The sun was high. I slipped my sunglasses on to help with the glare when something out of the corner of my eyes caught my attention. I couldn’t tell who it was exactly, but it looked like Evan. There was couple standing close to a building at the other end of the block. The guy had his back to me, and the girl was standing in front of him. She looked angry, and she was dressed in all black. Her dark hair was pulled back, and the longer they talked, the more it seemed like something was wrong. The guy was shaking his head like he was saying ‘no’.

  I shook it off, and turned to head for the L. I shouldn’t have turned around. I should have ignored my instincts, but the last time I did that I ruined my life. As I rounded the corner to my station, I glanced back to see if the couple was still there. The girl was gone, but the guy was now facing me. His eyes met mine, and I was faced with a shocked Evan.

  oooooooo

  Evan

  “Meeting here is not a good idea,” I growled as I glanced down the alley. “She knows me, and if she sees me things are not going to go well. How will I explain myself?” I flung my arms out to the side.

  “Tell her you were in the neighborhood. She doesn’t need to know that you know where she lives.” Toni rolled her eyes. “I told you yesterday that we needed to meet. Don’t ignore me when I call you.”

  “What’s so important?” I glanced toward Jenni’s apartment again.