I Know Lucy (The Fugitive Series)

by Pearl, Melissa

  The way she looked away told me she couldn’t. I wanted to grab her face and convince her she was wrong.

  “I don’t trust anyone with my name, Zach. Not even you.”

  It hurt. I knew it would.

  I didn’t say anything as she leaned across and gave me a brief kiss before sliding from the car and walking down the street. She eventually crossed the road, heading towards her little alleyway and that dung hole of an apartment she called home. Driving away from her was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done. I couldn’t shake the fear that she’d freak out in the night and that kiss was the last one I’d ever get.

  At least I knew where she lived now. If she didn’t show at the pool tomorrow, I could drive straight here and make sure she hadn’t split…even though I promised her I wouldn’t do that.

  I was such an idiot to agree to that.

  I drove home slowly, soaking in the ups and downs of my day. I felt spent. I knew who Dani was now, but I didn’t. I knew her reasoning, but there was so much more to it. So many secrets. Could I handle them all? I felt emotionally beat up having listened to what she’d already told me. I needed her to have a better life. I wanted her to be able to walk a living truth, every day…no more secrets.

  Mom and Dad were engrossed in a movie when I got home. I said a quick hi then headed up to my room. Flicking on the light, I spotted my phone straight away and out of habit, reached to check the screen. There were two missed calls from Elliot and one WTF message that made me swear.

  Damn it! I’d totally forgotten about Halo 2! I never should have agreed to it. He was gonna kill me for bailing on him.

  I winced, knowing I should call him at that moment and apologize, but I really didn’t want to. I was spent and having to deal with his anger while spinning some bullshit about what I’d really been doing was going to be a bigger effort than I could deal with. I placed my phone down, trying to ignore the guilt rounding over me.

  “Just deal with it tomorrow,” I muttered, glaring at the phone.

  Closing my eyes, I let out a disgusted sigh and reached for the phone.

  It buzzed in my hand, making me jerk.

  Looking at the screen, I breathed a quick sigh of relief before answering.

  “Hey, Uncle Al.”

  “What’s up, little bro. Just checking in. You doin’ okay after yesterday?”

  “Yeah.” I cleared my throat. “Yeah I am.”

  Uncle Alex scoffed. “You know if you hadn’t cleared your throat, I probably would have believed you.”

  “What? I had a tickle!”

  “Liar.”

  I had to yield to my grin. It slowly spread across my face. “I spoke to her.”

  Shit! I didn’t mean to say that!

  I pressed my lips together, knowing I’d just jumped onto a very dangerous path. Uncle Alex would delve, that’s what he did. He figured stuff out…maybe that was a good thing.

  I closed my eyes against the unbidden thought. A thought that was growing rapidly within me.

  He could help.

  “What’d she say?” Uncle Alex was surprised, I could tell by the way his voice tipped.

  “Um.” I winced. “I kind of promised her I wouldn’t tell anyone.” My voice rose at the end of the sentence, making it completely obvious that I wanted to tell him. I let out a sigh. It wouldn’t hurt, would it? I mean if anyone could help, Uncle Alex could. He was a legend and justice was his main purpose for living. He might be able to work out who this killer cop was. Together we might be able to save others.

  Justice.

  The word was a sweet smelling strawberry in my head. I wanted it for Dani. If we could find this cop and bring him down, then she wouldn’t need to run anymore, right? I held my breath then let out a sigh. “Can we keep this between us?”

  “You know we can. Whatever you say is off the record. You have my word.”

  I licked my bottom lip, hesitating before I plunged in.

  I shouldn’t be doing this, I had promised Dani.

  But I had to. Logical argument said so.

  “Her parents were murdered by a dirty cop. She saw it and has been on the run ever since.”

  Uncle Alex whistled. “Man, that’s huge. Does she know who did it?”

  “She’s pretty edgy about the whole thing. I think she’s still scared he might come after her. But it happened like five years ago. Do you think he still would?”

  “If he knows she’s a witness he might.” Uncle Alex clucked. “So she’s been living under the radar for five years. I’m guessing the conning was a way to earn some cash.”

  “Yeah, it’s kept her alive so far. I don’t think she’s telling me everything though. She didn’t mention her brother once. It’s like she’s trying to hide him from me. Do you think he’s controlling her somehow, like in the background…or someone else is forcing her? She was pretty nervous telling me this stuff. Nervous and guilty.”

  “Was she conning you?”

  “She wanted to.” I smiled. “But she couldn’t bring herself to do it.”

  “And you’re sure she’s not just saying that?”

  It was a good question, one I’d been trying to fob off all day. I squeezed my eyes shut. “I’ve got to believe she was telling me the truth. You didn’t see her face, those eyes. She doesn’t want to run anymore. She wants out and I want to give it to her.”

  “And how are you planning on doing that?”

  I tipped my head back. “I have no freaking idea.”

  Uncle Alex was quiet for a minute. I let him think, not knowing how to fill the space anyway. My fingers gripped the phone as I waited. “You know maybe we can end this. Maybe we can find this guy and expose him. What’s her real name?”

  “She won’t tell me. She’s petrified of the guy.”

  “Something must have happened since her parents’ murder to make her so scared. Did you see her brother or anyone matching the lunatic description?”

  “Nah, it looks like she lives alone, but like I said…what if someone’s controlling her, like out of sight. I didn’t check the rest of the building.”

  “What building?”

  “She lives in an abandoned apartment on the outskirts of town. It looks like an old hostel or something, you know with the kitchenettes and the communal bathroom down the hall.”

  “Abandoned? Creepy.”

  “Totally creepy.” I sighed. “Do you think someone else might be living there with her… like in another room?”

  “Possibly.” Uncle Alex cleared his throat. “Although would she have spilled the beans and even had you there if she was afraid someone lived down the hall?”

  “Good point.” I scratched my head, feeling tired and edgy.

  “You need to find out more. Anything about her past is useful. The more information the better.”

  “I’ll try, but I don’t want to push her. She’s a serious flight risk at the moment.”

  “Okay, well I’ll start quietly looking into things from this end. Find out where she used to live and I’ll see if I can hunt down murder cases from five years ago. Maybe something will pop.”

  “Be careful. She’s convinced that anyone who finds out who she really is will be in danger.”

  “I’ll watch my back. Hey, don’t worry bro, we’ll end this for her. Justice always prevails.”

  He hung up after saying the line he so wants to believe.

  But I know justice doesn’t always prevail. Plenty of innocents pay a high price for other people’s crimes. Dani was case in point. But not anymore. She would have her justice.

  One day Dani would be free and maybe then she’d tell me her real name.

  Chapter 28

  ZACH

  May 2014

  Much to my relief, Dani was at the pool the next morning. She’d already started laps by the time I got there. I dove into the pool and captured her ankle.

  Her body jerked, splashing in the water and kicking me off her.

  “Sorry! It’s me!”<
br />
  What a dumbass move. I winced as her steely gaze wracked over me.

  “You scared the crap out of me.”

  “Sorry, I wasn’t thinking.” I grimaced.

  With a little grin, she pushed a wave of water at me. While I was coughing and spluttering, she lunged towards me, dunking my head under the water. I wrapped my hands around her hips and pulled her down with me before we bobbed to the top and laughed. I gripped the edge of the pool, while pulling her towards me with my free hand. The air between us sizzled as our laughter died away. I pressed her between me and the wall, kissing her mouth with a heated passion I was now allowed to show.

  It felt good.

  My body responded immediately and if I’d been allowed to, I would have stripped off her bathing suit and explored every inch of her.

  She jerked away from me when she felt my arousal. Her lips quirked to the side and her right eyebrow shot north. My cheeks felt like they were on fire as I sheepishly chuckled. “I’m not the only hottie in this pool, you know.”

  Her sweet laughter echoed in the cavernous space.

  “Come on, let’s start laps before we both get in trouble.” She winked and ducked under my arm. Pushing off the wall, she got into her lane, her sleek body carving through the water with its usual grace.

  We raced the last few laps. I won and pulled her from the water, wrapping my arm around her as we headed for the towels. It felt so natural and easy between us now. It would have been easy to forget that my weekend ever happened.

  But it jumped forward in my brain as I watched her wrap the towel around her body. Her blue eyes caught me, making me realize I wanted to do this every day for the rest of my life. She trusted me. I could tell by the open look in her eyes, her carefree grin. Yesterday had released some kind of coil within her and she looked happy. I didn’t want to damage that.

  I scrubbed the towel over my face, hiding my guilt at letting Uncle Alex in.

  Maybe I shouldn’t have done it.

  But it was too late now. I had.

  And if I was going to help him do his job, I had to get on with it.

  I flung my arm over her shoulder and walked her to the changing rooms. “So, where’d you grow up?”

  She flinched. “Zach, you promised you wouldn’t say anything.”

  “Yeah, which is why I’m asking you in a place that no one else is in. There’s no way I’d raise this around our friends. I’m just curious about you. I want to know you.” I stopped and turned her towards me. “And there’s no hurry to do that, but I’m gonna ask you questions, Dani. I can’t help it. Just tell me what you want to.”

  She hesitated, her carefree smile disappearing. “Okay.” She finally sighed. “Sorry, it just felt like you were probing for more on my parents, that’s all.”

  I shrugged, trying to work out how to get around that one. “I want to know more about it, yeah, but I know you don’t want to tell me. Just, whatever you wanna give is great.”

  I pushed an innocent smile over my lips and she finally relented with a sigh. “L.A. I grew up in L.A.”

  “Nice. I spent my first eight years in Sacramento and then we moved here when I was thirteen.”

  “Nice.” She bobbed her head with a grin.

  “So what part of L.A.?”

  Her head tipped and she shot me a droll look.

  “Too far?”

  She snickered, her smile looking adorable as she shook her head.

  I couldn’t stop myself from kissing those lips, I pulled her towards me, my tongue skirting into her mouth until it was ripped out by Elliot’s shout. “Hey Zach!”

  He stood on the opposite side of the pool, feet apart, hands in his pockets… he looked pissed. Damn it, I should have called him last night.

  “I’m gonna go shower.” Dani slipped out of my arms as I turned to face my irate friend.

  He stopped a few feet from me, crossing his arms tightly over his chest. His brown gaze bore into me, flinging silent accusations. “I see you and Dani have stepped it up a notch.”

  “Yeah.” I glanced behind me then back to Elliot, pushing an easy smile over my lips.

  “Were you with her yesterday?” His voice was cutting.

  “I, uh, yeah, I’m really sorry about that.”

  He shoved my shoulder. “You’re such an ass. Yeah, you sound really sorry.”

  I grimaced. “Shit, man. I really am. I just— I forgot.” I ran my hand through my wet hair, guilt singeing my insides.

  “Yeah, obviously.”

  “And I left my phone at home too, so that’s why I didn’t get your calls. I was gonna call you when I got home, but—”

  “Save it. I don’t give a shit. I’ve wasted enough of my time on you anyway. I turned up at your house and your mom said you’d gone to study so I went to find you at the library, but no show. You never go anywhere else to study so I figured you’d bailed on me.” He tipped his head. “For Miss Mystery too. Thanks for that.”

  “Look, dude, I didn’t mean to. This weekend was crazy for me.”

  “Why?” The anger fled, concern flashing across his features briefly.

  “I, um. It just got busy.”

  The anger returned in a flash. “You are so full of shit.”

  “No, it’s just…” I raised my hand to try and calm him, but his nostrils were already flaring. “Elliot, don’t get pissed okay. I needed to spend some time with Dani, that’s all.”

  “What are you not telling me?”

  “There’s…I can’t, okay. I promised her.”

  The dead silence that followed was like an ax blade slicing through our friendship. Elliot already had trust issues and I was killing him with this. I hated myself for it, but I couldn’t break Dani’s confidence.

  Elliot stepped towards me, pointing at his chest. “I have been your best friend for nearly a decade.” He held up his hand. “I’ve put up with all your shit and your crazy girlfriends, but never have you put one of them before me. I’m the closest thing you have to a brother and you’re not willing to trust me?”

  “I do trust you. Of course I do. I just…I made a promise.”

  “Screw you. You’re lying to me.” He shook his head, his jaw clenching tight. “And you know what kills me the most? You’re doing it for a freaking girl you’ve known less than three months. I’m really glad our friendship means that much to you. That’s awesome. Really great.” His sarcasm felt like razor blades.

  “Don’t be like that, man. You just need to give me some time.”

  “Whatever, go make out with your next conquest, but don’t expect me to clean up the pieces this time. You’re digging your own grave and I’m not pulling you out of this one. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.” He walked away, his checkered shirt flapping as he stormed out the door.

  “Elliot. Come on, man!” I spread my hands wide and tried to call him back, but it was pointless. With a sigh, I turned towards the locker room.

  Elliot was not the kind of friend you let down or lied to. He was loyal like a freaking dog, but he expected loyalty in return and I’d let him down big time.

  I closed my eyes and blew out a sigh. This day was not going to be easy.

  As I pulled on my shirt, I noticed my phone flashing.

  Find out anything?

  Uncle Alex was on a mission. I pursed my lips, wondering if I should reply or just ignore him. Maybe it was time to drop this. But how could I? If this all got exposed then Dani would be free and I could start telling Elliot everything again. I wanted to let him in. He was my best friend.

  With a quick sniff, I texted back.

  L.A. That’s all I’ve got so far. I’ll keep you posted.

  *****

  Dani was waiting for me outside the locker room. She looked gorgeous, making my grin a natural one. I hoped there was no lingering guilt on the edges.

  “You okay?” She wrapped her arm around my waist and laid her damp hair on my shoulder.

  “Yep.”

  “Is Elliot oka
y?”

  “Not so much.”

  I opened the door for her. She put her hands in her pockets and walked through. “Is he mad with me?”

  “No, me. I kind of forgot we were supposed to hang out yesterday.”

  “Oh no.” Dani bit her bottom lip.

  “Don’t worry. I’ll make it up to him this weekend.”

  “I feel bad, though. It was my fault.”

  “Hey.” I pulled her hand from her pocket and threaded my fingers through hers. “It wasn’t your fault at all.” Pulling her to a stop, I made her look at me. “Yesterday was important. We both needed it.”

  “I know.” Her smile was coy. “As terrifying as it was for me, it was also one of the best days of my life.”

  “Me too.”

  “I’m just sorry if it causes friction with you and your friends. I don’t want to do anything to ruin what you have.”

  “You won’t. We’ve been friends for a long time and as hard as it is for me not to tell them stuff, they’ll just have to live with it.”

  She looked nervous as she nodded.

  “I told you I wouldn’t tell them…and I won’t.”

  “Thank you,” she mouthed and I could see just how much it meant to her.

  Guilt singed me again as I thought about my words to Uncle Alex last night, but I comforted myself with the fact she’d never find out…well, at least not until I could present her with all the facts and sell her the idea that the asshole who stole her life was going down for his crimes.

  “Want to come over for dinner tonight?”

  “Yes.” She grinned.

  “Good, cause my mom won’t stop asking when you’re coming back again.”

  “You’re a lucky guy, Zach. You have a great life.”

  “I know it.” I rubbed my thumb over her knuckles. “And it just got better too.” I cupped the back of her head and gently kissed her, sucking her lower lip before pulling away. Her smile was euphoric and warmed me to my core.

  She was worth this.

  It would be hard keeping secrets from my family and friends, especially Elliot, but he’d come around.

  I’d take him out this weekend, we’d have some guy time and things would be back to normal.