I Know Lucy (The Fugitive Series)

by Pearl, Melissa

  “What made her so cool?”

  The girl tipped her head. “I don’t know. She just had a way about her. She kind of swept into school like a whirlwind. She had everyone eating out of her hand.”

  “Especially Howard.” The girl behind her sing-songed.

  “Who’s Howard?”

  Brayden snickered. “He was this total geek who Taylor played like a pro. She managed to convince him to pay her for ‘cool classes.’ I mean who can pull that off?”

  “Cool classes?”

  “Yeah, like she gave him a make over and kind of brought him into our crowd.” Brayden crossed his arms. “Howard was a senior like us, but such a loser.” The guy scoffed then cleared his throat as if he felt bad.

  “The deal was that if he outfitted her for the prom, she’d be his date and you know, let him….” Brayden’s girlfriend wiggled her eyebrows. “On the night.”

  I felt sick. She what?

  “It was a pretty good deal if you ask me. She was a hottie. If Howard had lost it to her, he would have been a legend among men, you know?”

  I wanted to punch Brayden in the face, but his girlfriend slapped his shoulder instead.

  “What?” He grinned at her glare.

  The girl behind them kept talking. “Howard was loaded, so he went all out. Bought her this lush dress, designer shoes, diamond earrings. He must have spent at least five grand on her. Not to mention all the other perks she collected off him while they were dating.” She said the last word in inverted commas, rolling her eyes.

  “Sounds like Can’t Buy Me Love.” Uncle Alex raised his eyebrows.

  “What?” The girl tipped her head.

  “You know, the ‘80s movie with Patrick Dempsey.”

  They shook their heads.

  “The one where the geek pays the girl to make him popular and then…” Alex flicked his hand at their blank gazes. “Forget it.”

  I cleared my throat, needing to ask, but hating it. “So, um, what happened prom night?”

  “She didn’t show.”

  My heart skipped a beat. I wanted to whoop with joy, not for poor Howard, but for the fact that she didn’t go through with it.

  She didn’t go through with it.

  Reality crashed through my relief, leaving a bitter taste in my mouth.

  “So she played him,” Uncle Alex muttered for me.

  “As I said, like a freaking pro.” Brayden shook his head, almost in admiration. “Her and her brother just disappeared. Must have moved out of town or something.” He glanced at the photo again. “But maybe not.”

  “Her brother?” I crossed my arms.

  “Yeah, he was in college, but really protective. He used to pick her up from school.”

  “What’d he look like?”

  Brayden’s girlfriend pushed her lips to the side. “Kinda skinny with blond, straggly hair and these grey eyes that were way creepy. He didn’t talk to us, like ever. He just picked her up each day and drove off.”

  “Did you ever go to her place?”

  “Nah, she was pretty private about her home life. She liked to come out to party.”

  “How long was she at the school?”

  “No more than eight weeks. It wasn’t long at all.”

  I glanced at Alex. Same time frame as Lowell High. He read my mind and turned back to the others. “Well, thanks so much for your time.”

  “No worries. If you ever find her, say hi for me.” Brayden’s smile was leering and slap worthy.

  “Brayden!” Her girlfriend yanked his sleeve. “You’re such a jerk sometimes.”

  I let their voices turn to dust behind me as we walked back to the car. Colette called out a goodbye, but I didn’t turn to acknowledge her, just lifted my hand in a wave. Slamming into the car, I slumped back against the seat and kept my eyes ahead, ignoring my uncle’s probing gaze.

  Eventually he sighed. “So where do you want to go next?”

  “Luke thinks she might have transferred from George Washington High before attending Lowell. Do you think there’ll be any kids loitering around who we could talk to?”

  “Yeah, bound to be.” Uncle Alex brought up a map on his phone. “Let’s head towards the school and see what we can find.”

  I pulled away from the curb and followed my uncle’s directions towards Golden Gate Park.

  “You okay, little bro?”

  I nodded, but was shaking a big no on the inside. I didn’t know if I wanted to find out more. Dani now had three identities and I could guarantee that when we got to George Washington High, we’d find a fourth.

  “So, who do you think this brother might be?” Alex pointed to the left and I took the turn.

  “I don’t know,” I murmured. “It’s the first I’ve heard of him.”

  “Maybe not.”

  “Huh?” I glanced away from the road.

  He squinted into the sun, scratching his short whiskers. “Do you think he sounded anything like the lunatic from the mall?”

  My nod was slow as my brain caught up with what he was saying.

  “Con artists don’t tend to work alone.” Clearing his throat, Uncle Alex almost looked guilty for saying it. He knew I didn’t want to admit that Dani was a con artist, but the information was making it hard to deny.

  “I’m guessing the lunatic in the mall incident was not the plan. I’m guessing your girl was trying to pull a fast one on that Filmore kid, just like she did to Howard.”

  “But something went wrong,” I muttered, “and her brother slash co-worker had to step in and help her.”

  “I wonder what scared her?”

  “I wonder what happened to the lunatic?”

  Chapter 21

  LUCY

  December 2013

  Lucy sipped her milkshake, trying not to flinch when Miles’ hand snaked under the table and up her thigh. She might be acting like a well-versed senior, but she wasn’t. She’d never had sex and no matter how much pressure her “boyfriend” was putting on her, she wasn’t going to cave. She’d been forced to allow him to second base a couple of times, but she drew the line there. Shorty would just have to deal with it. In spite of his annoyance, she was still getting the job done. Miles had bought her plenty of things already that they’d managed to re-sell. Today he wanted to buy her a necklace for Christmas. As soon as the shakes were done, they were heading to Tiffany’s. Lucy was relieved. If she managed to convince Miles to go rich on her, they might be able to make this the final act of the con. Although she had a sinking feeling Shorty would want to play him for more.

  “So, after we go shopping, I thought we could go back to my place and celebrate Christmas a little early.” Miles’ lips fluttered over her neck, his hand inching higher up her thigh. His fingers were wriggling their way beneath her skirt, when she caught them and forced a light chuckle.

  “You know I can’t tonight. My parents have a dinner planned.”

  Miles shifted back with a growl. “And why won’t they let me come?”

  “Because they’re weird and over-protective.” She ran her fingers into his hair, putting her flirt on full power. “If they knew I was dating a bad boy like you, they’d freak out.”

  Miles’ crooked grin was practically malicious as he grabbed the back of her head and shoved his tongue in her mouth. She tried not to gag, but it was an effort. His kisses were always so invasive. She hated them, but she had a role to play and so she clutched the back of his head and moved her mouth against his, only pulling back when his free hand tried to slid between her thighs.

  “Not here.” She pushed him back with a giggle, her heart thudding with relief when he slumped back in his seat.

  “Then when?” His voice softened as he reached for her hand. “Come on, Riley, I’m ready. You can be my Christmas present.” He grinned.

  “Christmas is still two weeks away.” Lucy tried to keep her voice light. “Besides babe, we’ve only been dating a month. I’m getting there.” Her voice turned smoky as she leaned towards
him. “Please be patient. When it happens, it’s going to be epic.” She wiggled her eyebrows, making him laugh.

  He was about to lean forward with another slobbering kiss when a voice stopped him.

  “That’s not Miles Filmore, is it?” The man laughed as Miles shot back with a nervous grin. As soon as he saw the person behind Lucy, his face relaxed.

  “Hello, sir.” He stretched out his hand.

  Not really wanting to, but knowing it would look bad if she didn’t, Lucy spun in her chair to acknowledge the man.

  Her insides froze.

  Not again.

  She couldn’t do this again.

  Miles stood from his chair and grabbed Lucy’s hand, guiding her up. Her legs felt like straw as she stood. She briefly glanced at the blond man with his pale green eyes and then couldn’t take it.

  “Excuse me,” she whispered, grabbing her purse and walking away from the table.

  “Riley? Wait!” Miles sounded pissed, but she kept walking. She heard him say, “Sorry about this, I’ll be right back.”

  Lucy was tempted to run, but forced herself to walk elegantly out of the food court and towards the escalators. That’s what Riley would do.

  Miles captured her elbow before she made it.

  “What the hell is your problem?” He leaned into her ear, whispering fiercely. His grip was tight and cutting. She tried to wiggle her arm free, but he held fast.

  “I have to go.”

  “Not before you meet my dad’s friend. He’s an important business associate. You can’t be rude to him like that.”

  “Look I don’t care who he is. I want to go. I’ve got a headache and I don’t feel like meeting some old fuddy-duddy businessman.”

  “Bullshit you’ve got a headache. Now come back and meet him.”

  “No.” Lucy heard the tremor in her voice and hated it. She couldn’t afford to give herself away. She peeked over Miles’ shoulder and saw the man slowly approaching them. Her insides buckled, her heart rate accelerating so fast she thought she might pass out. What if he recognized her suddenly? They’d met once before and she wasn’t in disguise either time. Would he remember Sorrento’s?

  She stole one more peek and the way his eyes were narrowing made her think he did.

  Shit. Shit! She had to get out of there.

  “I’m sorry to be rude, but you’ll just have to apologize on my behalf. I’ll meet him another time.”

  “No, you won’t. You’ll meet him now.” Miles’ jaw was clenched tightly, his anger matching the grip he had on her arm. She winced as he tried to yank her back, unable to hold back a small cry of pain.

  And then it happened.

  Something she never expected.

  Something she never would have asked for.

  She caught a movement out of the corner of her eye and felt a figure charge past her, crashing into Miles with unbidden rage.

  At first Lucy was frozen, until she saw Marlin raise his first and pummel it into Miles’ face. Miles swung back, catching Marlin in the jaw. As he rolled over his grey eyes caught Lucy’s bulging stare. His look told her to get the hell out of there. She couldn’t leave him. How could she run when the guy who killed her parents was now hustling through the crowd towards him? He’d take Marlin for sure.

  “Help! Help! Police!” Someone in the crowd started yelling.

  The tall, pale-eyed guy was nearly at them now, his gaze locked onto her face, his eyes flashing with something she feared.

  Recognition.

  She didn’t know how or why he’d been able to recall Sorrentos, but it was enough to make her stumble back. His look was murderous and felt like a blow to the stomach.

  She tore her eyes away from him and looked back to Marlin, wanting to step in and rescue him, but she couldn’t even yell the word, “Stop.” She was locked in a silent storm of panic and it wasn’t until she was bumped by mall security that her brain found the ability to function.

  The second her parents’ killer looked from her to the boys tussling on the floor, her legs took off. She rushed down the escalator, bolting across the mall to the exit. She wasn’t sure if the guy had noticed her, she was too afraid to turn back and look. As soon as she hit the open air, she fled down the street, back towards their place. Shorty would be waiting there. He’d have to help. He’d figure out a way to get Marlin free.

  Marlin.

  Agony rounded over her like a crashing wave. She slowed her frantic pace and doubled over, wondering if she’d ever be able to breathe again.

  Marlin.

  What would that man do to him?

  Would he shoot out his kneecaps? Would he watch Lucy’s only friend writhe on the floor as he tortured him for information?

  The images came in rolling waves, each more sickening than the next. Panicked breaths shot through Lucy’s system as she scrambled across the road.

  Shorty would get him out. He had to.

  Lucy couldn’t cope without Marlin. She needed him.

  Tears threatened to devour her as she puffed her way up the next hill, the sickening knowledge that she’d already lost him making her want to crumble into a heap.

  Chapter 22

  ZACH

  May 2014

  We found a few teenagers loitering near George Washington High, but none of them recognized Dani’s picture.

  “Maybe she didn’t go there.”

  “Maybe.” Uncle Alex shrugged, pulling me into a nearby diner. “We need a break. You look ready to pummel something.”

  I slumped into the booth with a heavy sigh and rested my head in my hands. “I don’t want to believe it, but I know it’s true. It’s so obviously true.” I wrenched the picture from my pocket. It was getting tatty having been handed around so much. Seeing Dani’s sad face looking out into the distance made my heart crumple. How could she be this girl?

  It felt like she was real around me, totally genuine, but maybe it was all an act. The idea made me sick, my stomach coiling into a tight knot.

  “What can I get you guys today?” A pretty Latino girl stopped at our booth, a pad in her hand.

  I reached for the menu and quickly scanned it while Uncle Alex ordered a club sandwich and fries. I wasn’t hungry. “I’ll just take a Coke with a ton of ice.”

  “Sure.” She grinned, reaching for my menu. As her hand passed over the picture, she stilled, her dark brown eyes narrowing as she gazed at the image. “I’m sorry if this sounds intrusive, but who is that?”

  Uncle Alex leaned forward in his seat, collecting up the photo and showing it to her. “That’s what we’re trying to figure out.”

  The waitress took the picture and studied it. “She looks familiar, but different.” She shook her head with a chuckle. “I don’t know. Sorry. I’ll go get that food sorted for you.”

  She left the picture on the table and walked away. I collected the photo up again. “For someone so secretive, she’s sure recognized by a lot of people.”

  “She knows how to leave an impression, I suppose.”

  I threw the photo down and sat back hard. She certainly left an impression on me. I was such a sucker. My emotions were battling rage and pure disappointment. I hadn’t been able to disprove squat!

  I wished I didn’t want Dani. I wished the day I saw her, she hadn’t wriggled her way inside of me.

  “I don’t think she went to Washington.” Uncle Alex picked up his fork and twirled it in his fingers. “If Luke saw it on her records, then it’s most probably a lie. She would have been trying to hide her tracks, not leave a trail for us to follow. We’ve just been lucky today. That kid from Balboa High just happened to be playing soccer with the Lowell crew and his brother happened to be there. It’s almost like fate was giving us a hand.”

  “So where do we go from here?”

  Uncle Alex shrugged. “We could try hunting down this Howard guy or maybe try to get in touch with Miles. He might be able to tell us more about the lunatic who attacked him.”

  It was a good idea
. I knew it was, but all I could muster was a reluctant nod.

  The waitress arrived, placing a clinking glass of Coke in front of me. She went to leave, then spun back, her hands brushing down her apron. “Do you mind if I take one more look at that photo? I feel like I’ve nearly got it.”

  I slid it across the table and she gathered it up. Her eyes squinted as she studied Dani’s face and then very slowly opened wide. She gasped, dropping the picture and covering her mouth.

  “You know her?”

  “Um…ah…I should get back.” She turned on her heel.

  “No, wait, please.” Uncle Alex gently grabbed her wrist. “Please if you could help us. Any information would be useful.”

  The girl ran a hand down her long, brown ponytail, her lips scrunching with uncertainty.

  “Do you remember her name?” Uncle Alex kept his voice quiet and lilting.

  With a sigh, the waitress perched down next to him. “Peyton. I’m pretty sure it was Peyton.”

  “Last name?”

  She shook her head.

  “How did you know her?” I tried to match Uncle Alex’s tone, but I’m sure my voice came out tight and edgy instead.

  “I used to help my aunt clean houses and this girl…” She tapped the picture. “She was tutored by Tori Derwin. Tori was the daughter of this wealthy businessman, a real sweetheart. She took Peyton under her wing and they used to study at the Derwin house all the time.” Her fingers jittered with her necklace, her eyes flicking over the photo.

  “What are you not saying?” It was an effort to keep my voice even. After what I’d found out earlier, I didn’t know if I wanted to hear more.

  “Nothing, it’s nothing.” She began to stand again.

  “Please.” My voice must have sounded desperate, because she stopped with a sigh.

  “Look I don’t want to cause trouble.”

  “We’re not here for trouble. We’re just trying to figure out who this girl is.” Uncle Alex smiled.

  She grimaced, her face bunching with disgust as her eyes brushed the photo again. “Do you know her at all?”