He grinned. His fingers tightened on her hips. He opened his mouth to tell her he had a few other nicknames for her when Drewer stomped up the basement stairs with a frazzled Christoff at his heels. He stalked towards them, the purple vain in his temple pulsing.
“Where’s the weapon?”
Ana drew back from Rafe’s hold just enough to turn her body and face the pair watching them. “What weapon?”
Drewer folded his arms over his wide chest. “Don’t play dumb with me. What did you use to kill the victim?”
“We didn’t use anything,” Ana said.
Drewer’s nostrils flared. “Now you listen to me.” He took a wide step forward, one fat finger pointing at Ana. “I don’t have time for these games. You either start talking or I swear to you, I will charge you to the full extent of the law.”
Rafe rose to his feet, keeping one arm around Ana’s waist. “We already told you, we had nothing to do with this.”
Drewer bared his teeth. “And I already told you, I don’t believe you. Your stories make no sense. You claim he wasn’t down there when you left, yet when you returned only an hour later, he was mysteriously there, perfectly skinned as though done by an expert hunter. Is that correct?” He didn’t wait for a response as he plowed on. “You also tell me that you had no connection to Vincent nor did you have any reason to harm him, yet he was in your house. Why was he in your house, Ms. French?”
“I … I don’t know,” Ana croaked. “We had dinner at his parent’s house last night. Maybe … maybe he just…”
“Just what?” Drewer pushed. “Maybe you invited him. Maybe you told him your parents weren’t home and he should come over. Maybe you lured him here where your boyfriend—”
“No!” Ana’s scream silenced the room. “That isn’t what happened. I don’t know why he was here.”
Drewer tipped his head back, his gaze squinting down at her. “Then maybe you can explain why we found this next to the body.”
Christoff hurried forward at the Sheriff’s prompt. She held a long cylinder in her hands. Drewer took it and stalked to the coffee table. He unrolled the poster-sized document, revealing the faint white lines creating a blueprint of Ana’s house.
“Any thoughts?” Drewer said.
Ana just shook her head, her jaw gaping as she stared at the diagram.
Drewer released the ends and the print snapped back into a roll. Christoff hurried forward to snatch it up and tuck it into an evidence bag as the sheriff looked from Ana to Rafe.
“I don’t know what’s going on here, but I’m going to find out and I am going to enjoy nailing your hide, Ramirez.”
Chapter Twenty-Nine
Ana
Ana didn’t go to school the next day or the day after. She stayed in her room for a solid week as her parents tried to sort out what had happened. Neither was happy to hear that Rafe had been with her when she’d sworn no boys, but neither had pushed it. Ana had a suspicion that they were just glad she hadn’t been alone. She was also certain they were thinking the same thing she was — had she been home, would it have been her in the basement? Part of her doubted it. Johnny seemed to need her for something, but that left everyone she knew and cared about open to his attacks. Because of that reason, Ana no longer slept over at Rafe’s. She didn’t trust Johnny not to go after her parents if she wasn’t there. Rafe had argued her decision, so had the sane little part of her that enjoyed sleep, but he had eventually given up trying to coax her by suggesting he come to her.
“If you’re going to stay there, then so am I,” he’d said.
Ana had agreed purely out of a selfish desire not to be alone. She even accepted the baby monitor he brought with him to keep an ear out in case the twins needed him.
But Johnny was strangely absent those nights. The death of Vinny seemed to have sated him for the time being. There was no tapping on the walls, no cold spots or glowing figures in the dark. Ana knew it was just the calm before the storm, but she took it happily.
By the second week, she was ready to face school and the whispers. Her parents had turned most of the visitors away, people who had come to see what had happened. Including Jack. Ana hadn’t minded. She hadn’t been ready to face anyone, not even her friend. She had no idea what she would tell people.
“Nothing,” Rafe said as they drove to school that Monday. “It’s none of their business.”
“But they’ll want to know something,” she said.
He jerked a shoulder. “It’s an ongoing investigation. You’re not allowed to say anything even if you wanted to.”
She glanced at him in the driver’s seat, his hair tussled and his face set. “You read way too many crime novels.”
He smirked. “Comes in handy when you’re Chipawaha Creek’s most undesirable.”
Ana rolled her eyes. “You are not undesirable. I know a few girls who desire you too much.”
His eyebrow lifted and he slanted her a quick glance before facing forward again. “Too much, eh? Is there a hint of jealousy I hear in there?”
Ana pfft’d. “What’s there to be jealous of? You’re already mine.”
The second the words were out, she wished she could suck them back. Mortification blazed white hot beneath her skin and she turned her head away before he could see it. Every fiber of her being prayed he hadn’t heard, that the roar of the engine had drowned out her careless remark.
They reached the school. Rafe pulled into a parking spot and cut the engine. Ana scrambled out of the car, thankful for the crisp, autumn breeze cooling the inferno licking her flesh.
“I’ll see you after school,” she said hurriedly, needing to get away.
“Not so fast.” She was grabbed around the middle and hauled into his chest.
“The bell…”
He leaned back against the hood and pulled her to him. “Won’t ring for another ten minutes, plenty of time to get a proper goodbye kiss.”
She was given no chance to argue — not that she would have — as he laid his mouth over hers in a slow, sweet kiss that melted her bones and slipped along her skin like silk. She completely forgot why she’d been in such a hurry to get inside as she cupped the back of his neck and kissed him back.
“Be careful today,” he murmured against her lips.
She nodded, willing to agree to anything if he would just keep kissing her. He did, taking long, lingering sips of her like she was the last glass of water in the world.
At long last, he drew back. His eyes were dark with the same raw passion crackling deep inside her, the same feeling that made her want to tell him to take them somewhere private. But she restrained herself. Out of the whole month since school had started, she had physically been present for barely a week. If she missed any more classes, she might never finish high school.
He walked her to her locker and watched as she switched one set of books for another. They both ignored the curious eyes watching their every move. Ana told herself she didn’t care, but a part of her wanted to smack the next person she caught staring with her Math textbook.
“See you after school?” She focused on Rafe.
He tucked a stray curl behind her ear. “I’ll be here.”
It was reassuring that at least one thing hadn’t changed. She gave his fingers a squeeze before taking a step back. She pivoted on her heels and followed the crowd downstream.
“Rosa!”
Ana stopped and glanced back, ignoring the dirty looks from people being forced to go around her.
Rafe grinned. “You’re mine, too.”
A warm, fuzzy tingle crept up through her body, filling her stomach with a million little flutters that made her knees weak. Her heart flopped over in her chest, making her lightheaded as it beat double time.
“Good to know,” she said and bit her lip when his smile broadened.
With a wave, she ducked her head and hurried to class.
Mr. Finnegan was waiting for her when she arrived. His eyes were sharp despite the easy sm
ile on his face when he stopped her from walking into Algebra.
“I’d like to see you in my office,” he said, hand already resting on the small of her back as he propelled her back the way she’d come.
“Is something wrong?” she asked.
“Just a talk,” he said.
In all her life, Ana had never once visited the principal’s office. She wasn’t sure what she was supposed to do when he led her to his office and she found her parents already inside. Their bemused expression mirrored her own as she shuffled over to them.
“What’s going on?” she asked.
Mr. Finnegan dragged a small, metal chair into the room and placed it between her parents’ chairs. He closed the door behind him and motioned for her to sit. Ana did and was relieved when her mother took her hand and her father placed a gentle hand on her knee. But it was difficult to maintain the relief when the walls were painted a soft teal blue that made her think she was drowning.
“Thank you for coming,” Mr. Finnegan said pleasantly, taking his seat and folding his hands on top of his shiny oak desk. “I won’t take up too much of your time.”
“What’s this about?” her father asked. “You said on the phone it was urgent.”
Mr. Finnegan nodded. “And it is, I assure you.” He shifted in his chair, his voice growing somber in a manner Ana knew meant he was about to deliver news no one would like. “As you well know it has been a pleasure to have Ana attending Darcy Clifton. She’s an exemplary student, when she’s actually here—”
“If this is about her attendance, I think we can all agree the situations—” her mother interrupted.
Mr. Finnegan put up a hand, quieting her. “No, not at all. I fully understand the circumstances behind each one. No, this is about the school board and the parents of the other students. Neither is very happy about the situation that took place the weekend before—”
“That wasn’t my fault,” Ana protested.
Mr. Finnegan nodded slowly. “And I understand that as well, but I’m afraid my hands are tied on the matter.”
“What exactly are you telling us, Mr. Finnegan?” her father demanded, his fingers tightening on Ana’s kneecap.
Mr. Finnegan inhaled deeply before speaking again, “The school board has requested a removal—”
“Are you expelling her?” her mother cried, outrage coloring her tone.
“No, no, we don’t like to think of it as an expulsion. It’s more of a … release. The board feels that it would make for a better work environment for the other children if…”
“If I wasn’t here.”
Mr. Finnegan didn’t confirm Ana’s remark, but his silence did.
“Mr. Finnegan, this is unacceptable,” her mother said. “Ana is a wonderful student. She has never been in any sort of trouble in her life. She has outstanding grades and—”
“Mrs. French, Ana’s personality and work ethic were never in question. Once this situation has been resolved and Ana is no longer in the middle of it, Darcy Clifton would be delighted to have her back. But there is nothing I can do about it right now.” He rose to his feet, a clear sign of dismissal. “I will personally make sure Ana’s belongings are delivered to her, so there is no need to linger.”
Wow. She wasn’t even allowed to get her things. Ana wasn’t sure if she should laugh or be outraged.
“I’m innocent,” she said, her voice barely above a whisper.
“I believe you.”
“Then why am I being treated like a criminal?”
“Mr. Finnegan,” her mother interrupted before he could respond. “We will take this matter to court. You do realize that, don’t you?”
Mr. Finnegan nodded. “I do and I believe that is your right.” He stepped around them and held open the door. “Thank you for coming.”
Numb from the neck down, Ana had no recollection of following her parents into the outer office. She was only vaguely aware of her parents murmuring rapidly to each other as they made their way around Mrs. Kane’s desk.
“Ana?”
Her head came up fast at the familiar voice from just up ahead. Her eyes widened as they found and settled on Rafe, then his mother sitting quietly in a chair. Realization dawned and she spun around to confront Mr. Finnegan.
“Rafe had nothing to do with this. Please don’t—”
“This is not your concern, Ms. French,” he said sternly.
“What’s going on?” Rafe was at her side now, his hand warm on her elbow. “Are you hurt?”
Anger and fear choked her as she stared fiercely at the principal. “I was expelled,” she said tightly through her teeth, pronouncing the foul word like a hiss.
“What?”
“Ms. French!”
She ignored both as she continued to glower at the man. “He’s going to expel you, too. That’s why you’re here.”
“What?” Mrs. Ramirez was on her feet now, purse clutched to her midsection. “That can’t be true, Nathan.”
Mr. Finnegan shot Ana one final death glare before focusing on the tiny blonde. “Let’s discuss this inside, Heather.”
Mrs. Ramirez’s spine stiffened as twin flags of anger brightened her cheeks. “I think I’d like to discuss this right here. Are you expelling my son?”
Mr. Finnegan sighed. “If that is the term everyone is fond of using—”
With speeds no tiny person should possess, Mrs. Ramirez was in front of the man. She barely reached his chest, but she hummed with a halo of fury only a mother could conjure when her child was in danger.
“This had better be a joke, Nathan Finnegan.” She speared him in the chest with her finger. “We go back a long way, you and I. You know me. You watched my son grow up. If you think for a moment that he could ever hurt anyone the way that boy—”
“Heather, please.” He captured her stabbing hand. “Can we just go—?”
“Get your hands off her!” Rafe planted himself between the two, his chest inches from Mr. Finnegan’s.
Ana’s father quickly stepped between them, pressing an arm across Rafe’s chest and guided him back.
“Take it easy,” he murmured softly.
Rafe let himself get moved. His place was instantly taken by his mother.
“This is ridiculous, Nathan. I won’t stand for—”
“I’m sorry,” Mr. Finnegan said. “The board has made its decision.”
“Then I will write to each member if I have to,” Mrs. Ramirez said. “You can’t expel children for something they didn’t do. What happened to innocent until proven guilty?”
Mr. Finnegan shook his head remorsefully. “You know it doesn’t work that way. You’re guilty until proven innocent and it all comes down to politics. Your children.” His gaze jumped from face to face, settling once more on Mrs. Ramirez. “Are in the middle of one of the worst homicides this town has ever seen. Can you blame parents for being concerned?” He took a step back when no one spoke. “I’m sorry.”
He disappeared into his office and shut the door behind him. A tense silence hung through the office as everyone stood rooted in place.
“I’m afraid I’m going to have to ask you to leave now,” Mrs. Kane said from behind her massive desk.
No one seemed to have the energy to argue as they turned and ambled out into the hall. No words were spoken until they stood in a group in the courtyard.
“We’re going to fight this,” Ana’s mom said. “I’m sure what they’re doing is illegal.”
“It won’t do any good.” Mrs. Ramirez looked from face to face. “The board runs nearly everything in this town. Their word is law.”
“This is still Canada,” her father barked. “And no one can just make up their own laws. I’ll write to the Prime Minister if I have to.”
“What good will it do?” Rafe turned to the adults, his shoulders hunched against the chilling winds. “I don’t think I want to go back to a school that doesn’t want me there.”
“Rafe—”
Ana interrup
ted whatever Mrs. Ramirez was about to say. “Rafe’s right. They won’t welcome us back with open arms. Pushing it will only make things worse.”
“What then?” Her mother turned to her father. “We just give up?”
Her father shook his head. “I think we need to think about this some more, discuss it. I’m sure we can come up with a solution.”
They wound up at the diner, sitting in the same booth Ana and Rafe had shared only days before. Ana tried not to think about how she’d seen Vinny just minutes before at the library, smiling and completely oblivious to the fact that his days were about to end. She should never have asked him to bring the blueprints. She should never have got him involved. His death was on her hands.
“Lakewood is only three miles from here,” Rafe said was saying over a basket of chili fries. “I can drive us both there and back.”
Her parents both shook heads.
“We’re not discussing new schools right now,” her mother said. “Ana just started at Darcy. I want to examine all the possibilities before I give up.”
“Well, I’m in if you think of something,” Mrs. Ramirez said. “Lord knows those old fogies deserve to be knocked down a peg or two.” She checked her watch. “But I have to get to the store before grabbing the twins from kindergarten.”
It wasn’t until that moment that Ana realized how late it had gotten.
They all shuffled out of the booth, tossing bills onto the table to pay for their breakfast/lunch. Her parents and Rafe’s mom made plans to get together later that week and discuss things further. Rafe pulled Ana aside. His fingers splayed across her waist and curled into the material of her top as drew her to him. He dropped his head and his voice when he spoke.
“You okay?” he asked.
She shrugged. “I have no idea.” She bit her lip, uncertainty scuttling through her. “I’m going to miss Jack and the others, but … is it wrong that I’m not sad about not having to face all those watching eyes?”
He shook his head. “At least this gives us some free time to figure out what Baits wants from us.”
Chapter Thirty
Betraying Innocence Page 27